Why I Don’t Make a Fuss About My Birthday (And What I Celebrate Instead…)

What if I told you that I don’t really celebrate my own birthday—at least, not in the way you might imagine? If that sounds strange, keep reading. This might just make you rethink your own celebrations, too.

The Runpreneur Challenge: More Than Just a Countdown of Days

Today marks consecutive day 1,735 of my Runpreneur journey. Yes, it’s also my birthday—cheers to 43 trips around the sun! But before you assume I’m tucking into cake and balloons, let me share why birthdays, for me, aren’t the pinnacle of celebration.

You see, my focus is bigger than one day a year. My mission? Run 40,075 km—yes, a lap of the world, barefoot—and raise £1,000,000 for children’s causes. It’s about making each day, each run, and each mile count for something much more than just me.

Why I Skip the Birthday Hype

Of course, it’s “normal” to mark your birthday. In the UK—and worldwide—it’s almost a cultural obligation. But when I really break it down, birthdays are just the celebration of the passing of time. Another year older, another 365 (or sometimes 366) days lived. Is that reason enough to celebrate? For me, not so much.

Don’t get me wrong—I’ll happily accept a smile and a “happy birthday” from loved ones, and I never want to sound ungrateful for the warmth people offer. But the reality is, I’ve simply waited for a day to circle back around. No monumental achievement, just a calendar milestone.

What Should We Celebrate?

Here’s where my outlook gets interesting: I believe the real cause for celebration should be when you, or your community, achieve something truly meaningful. Did you build something that changes lives? Did your family welcome a new member? Did you smash a business goal or help someone find safety and hope?

These are moments worth marking, moments that ripple outward to touch others. That’s why, as part of my daily life and Runpreneur journey, I celebrate progress in raising funds and awareness for vulnerable children—every single day matters on this quest.

The truth? Birthday celebrations can feel inward-focused, while impact-driven victories spark unity and joy for everyone involved. That’s worth raising a glass (or a running shoe!) for.

Behind the Scenes: How I Spent My Birthday

Wondering how I marked this special day? Here’s a snapshot: Up at dawn, shuttling my three kids to their three different Saturday football matches, refereeing an entire game, and fitting in my daily barefoot run on the way home. Not glamorous—but this is exactly what I love. My version of the perfect day is being amongst my family, supporting their passions, moving my body, and giving back.

For me, family time and meaningful action beat any party or present.

Join Me: Let’s Celebrate Milestones that Really Matter

I’m not here to be the “grumpy birthday guy.” In fact, I’m fitter and happier than ever—because I’m living with purpose. Imagine if, instead of focusing so much on individual birthdays, we each put more energy into collective achievements that change lives.

And that’s what my Runpreneur journey is all about: Attempting the ultimate ultra-marathon, every single day, to raise £1 million and save children’s lives. The more people who join in or support the mission, the more lives we change.

How You Can Get Involved

Let’s make milestones together, not just once a year, but every single day. Here’s how you can help:

• Share this post if you agree birthdays shouldn’t always hog the spotlight.

• Follow my journey as I run the world (literally) to fundraise for children in need.

• Donate—every pound brings us closer to the £1,000,000 goal that could change thousands of young lives.

Tell me: what’s the milestone YOU believe deserves a real celebration?

Stay positive, stay happy, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.