Ben Gallagher Champions Mental Health & Male Role Models at Kimbolton School in memory of Max Hunter
Ben Gallagher Champions Mental Health & Male Role Models at Kimbolton School in memory of Max Hunter
There is Strength in Story and Sport as the Mintridge Foundation Ambassador, Ben Gallagher showed at Kimbolton School in Memory of Max Hunter on Wednesday 14th May 2025.
Kimbolton School welcomed a very special guest: Ben Gallagher — veteran, explorer, and para rower — who delivered a powerful and moving programme in memory of former student Max Hunter during Mental Health Awareness Week. Old Kimboltonian, Max tragically died by suicide in 2019, and this programme was created not only to honour his memory but also to support students in navigating mental health through strength, connection, and purpose.
“I would rather say yes and fail, that say no and have FOMO!”
Ben’s visit brought together physical resilience and emotional openness in a way that truly resonated with students. Throughout the day, he shared his personal journey from military service to recovery, including overcoming the adversity of sustaining life threatening injuries that he faced and how he found purpose through sport and adventure. As a para rower and adaptive athlete, Ben spoke with honesty and courage about trauma, loss, and rebuilding — demonstrating exactly what strong male role models can look like. Ben repeated on a number of occasions, the positive impact that celebrating the daily small wins in your life and what that can do for your wellbeing. He loved sharing the story of the Navy Seal Admiral who highlights the importance of making your bed everyday.
A key part of the day, and one that made it especially personal, was a strength and conditioning practical session led by Ben. Woven seamlessly into the programme, the session reflected Max’s deep love of sport and physical activity while discussing important topics centred around resilience throughout. Students took part enthusiastically, learning not only how to push their physical limits but also how movement can be a powerful outlet for managing mental health. It was an energising, positive session that connected Ben’s message of resilience with something Max was truly passionate about. There might have been a few tired bodies on Wednesday evening though…
Ben’s presence brought an extraordinary energy to the school — one that balanced strength with vulnerability, and personal experience with hope through classroom presentations, Q&As, a whole school assembly and the most picturesque of settings for an outdoor S&C session. His message was clear: seeking help is a sign of strength, and every student has the power to look out for their peers and speak openly about how they’re feeling. Our Founder, Alex Wallace reiterated this message too and ensured students supported others with no expectation in their response and to look after themselves in the process too; something that she has learnt through dealing with Max’s suicide.
This event was part of a wider commitment by Kimbolton School to continue the conversation around mental health, reduce stigma, and provide students with real-life examples of courage, compassion, and recovery.
Most importantly, the day was a heartfelt tribute to Max — a much-missed member of the Kimbolton community — and a reminder that his legacy is helping others find their own strength. Alex joked that he was a great friend even if he was a Montagu House Captain in the Prep, rather than the greatest house of all…Wingfield!
“Ben’s visit was a highlight of our Mental Health Awareness Week. His message about perseverance, self-belief and mental resilience struck a real chord with our pupils. We’re incredibly grateful to The Mintridge Foundation and to Alex for making this opportunity possible”
If you would like support or want to know ways to support a friend or family member, please visit our help and advice page just here.
TO SUPPORT THE MAX HUNTER FUND, you can donate just here: THE MINTRIDGE FOUNDATION: 28 Not Out - The Max Hunter Fund
Alternatively:
Text 28NOTOUT to 70085 to donate £3.
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from us. If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from us, please text 28NOTOUTNOINFO instead.
For now though, in the words of our Maxy, "Cheers then Bu!"
You can read more about in Kimbolton’s blog just here:
World champion athlete inspires pupils at Kimbolton School - Kimbolton School
About Us:
The Mintridge Foundation is a UK-wide charity dedicated to turbo-boosting young people's development and opportunities through the transformative power of sports. Our innovative programs and collaborations inspire, mentor, and guide the next generation to thrive.
