From Struggling in Silence to Helping Others Lift Together: Liam’s Story

A valued supporter of CPSL Mind

Liam Baker is a true supporter of CPSL Mind, and we cannot thank him enough for his continued dedication to raising awareness and vital funds for mental health support across our local communities.

Since first fundraising for CPSL Mind in 2024, Liam has continued to turn his own experiences into something powerful and positive, using fitness, community, and conversation to encourage others to open up about mental health.

Together We Lift at Sawtry Carnival

This year, Liam will once again be bringing his inspiring Together We Lift event to Sawtry Carnival on 13th June.

The ethos behind Together We Lift is simple but incredibly meaningful: communication, support, and leaning on one another.

“When deadlifting with a partner, you have to talk to one another,” Liam explains. “That same message is true about mental health. We have to lean on each other for support.”

The Sawtry Carnival is all about bringing the village together, uniting local businesses, charities, organisations, and residents for a day focused on community spirit. Liam’s event fits perfectly within that message, encouraging people to come together, start conversations, and support one another.

At the event, anyone can take part in the deadlift challenge, regardless of experience. But Together We Lift is about much more than strength training.

At the end of each event, participants complete deadlift repetitions in memory of lives sadly lost to suicide, with every rep representing someone remembered. It is a powerful and emotional moment that reflects the importance of speaking openly about mental health and supporting those who may be struggling.

Liam’s lived experience

Liam’s passion for this work comes from his own lived experience.

Just a few years ago, Liam found himself in a very different place. Like many people, he struggled silently for years and found it difficult to open up about how he was feeling.

“As a man who struggled with my mental health throughout the years, COVID magnified my perceived shortcomings in life,” Liam shared. “In March 2021, it took me to the darkest place I have ever been, and I never wish to return to.”

Following a suicide attempt, Liam realised he could no longer keep everything bottled up.

“As a result of attempting to take my own life, I had to talk. I had to explain where my head was at to those closest to me.”

Within days, Liam had started therapy and began taking important first steps towards recovery.

“They taught me that thoughts aren’t facts and gave me tools to help me through,” he said. “I also had a really negative image of myself, so my therapist helped me gain confidence in myself.”

Although Liam wanted to start going to the gym during his recovery, he faced overwhelming anxiety even walking through the doors for the first time. But over time, strength training became a key part of rebuilding both his confidence and wellbeing.

Turning an idea into reality

Around this time, Liam was introduced to Danny Brumpton, whose strongman mental health campaign and openness around mental health deeply resonated with him.

After speaking with Danny and finding inspiration in the message behind the campaign, Liam had an idea: to create an event that combined strength training with honest conversations about mental health.

Within just six weeks, that idea became reality.

“I went from having an idea to standing in front of 30 people at my first ever event,” Liam said. “From that day, I felt a sense of achievement like no other.”

After the event, one attendee opened up to Liam about their own mental health struggles and later sought professional support.

“From our conversations, they started to seek professional help and are now in a much better place mentally,” Liam said. “And this is the exact reason why I did it.”

What started as one event has continued to grow and grow.

“When I started strength training, I noticed a huge correlation between physical and mental health. I built confidence and I built strength, both physically and mentally. I want to spread that message and I want to encourage people to get to the gym and overcome any anxieties they may feel about walking through the doors.”

Buds Fitness and building support

Alongside Together We Lift, Liam also founded Buds Fitness, a platform built on the same values of openness, support, and using fitness as a tool to improve mental wellbeing. Through both initiatives, his mission remains the same: to create safe, supportive spaces where people feel able to talk and connect.

Lifting together; supporting each other

One of the most meaningful parts of Liam’s events remains the team deadlift challenge.

The lift requires two people to work together, communicate honestly, and support one another to move the weight.

“To me, this lift has tremendous synergy with what we are trying to achieve through the event,” Liam explained. “Lifting 200kg on your own is hard, but when you split that weight between two people, it’s not so hard.”

Liam takes his Together We Lift events across the country, helping to raise awareness and reminding people that they are never alone. “I am determined to continue my mission to create supportive spaces where people feel comfortable opening up.”

Legacy and impact

For Liam, the aim is always to create a lasting impact and legacy. Each event is designed to be far more than a one-day experience. It is about leaving something behind in each community it visits: a reminder that it is okay to talk, and that together we are stronger.

“My goal is to make an impact at these events, but also a lasting impact so we don’t just turn up and go. We leave something with people and actually make a difference. That’s why I’ve teamed up with my local mental health charity, CPSL Mind, because it offers the next step for people.”

“I am so honoured to work with CPSL Mind to bring their resources to more people,” Liam said. “I am so proud that my events not only spread awareness but have also raised over £18,000 so far in vital donations to help people access support when they need it most.”

A message from Liam

Liam hopes his story encourages others to speak openly about how they are feeling.

“It’s so important to talk. Even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable, opening up can be the first step towards getting the right support. You never have to have the perfect words, just starting the conversation can make a real difference.”

Thank you

We are incredibly grateful for Liam’s continued support and the positive impact he continues to make within our communities. His openness, honesty, and commitment to raising awareness are helping to reduce stigma and show others that they are not alone in how they feel. Through his work, Liam is not only raising vital funds, but also creating spaces where conversations about mental health feel more possible, more normal, and more supported.

The next Together We Lift event will take place at Sawtry Carnival on 13th June where CPSL Mind will also be in attendance. For more information, please visit: www.sawtrycarnival.co.uk

To find out more about Together We Lift and other upcoming events, please visit: www.togetherwelift.co.uk