Officer taking 5K-a-day October challenge for prostate cancer and mental health

30 September 2026

Sergeant Phil Woodland is lacing up his running shoes again this October to run 5K a day to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

Phil first completed the challenge last year to support his mental health after being diagnosed with PTSD.

The Dyfed Powys Police Federation member said he used it as a way of ‘holding himself accountable’.

He is now planning to do it again, with the cause particularly close to his heart after his father-in-law died from prostate cancer. And Dyfed Powys Police colleagues are welcome to join him.

Sergeant Phil Woodland

Phil said: “Accountability is important to me. My head has ruled my actions a lot over the last few years but I am trying to change, to stop listening and to make myself accountable.

“Last year my accountability was that I ran 5K a day for the whole of October for prostate cancer.

“Running for prostate cancer and raising awareness was really important to me and I’m going to do that again.”

After taking time away from work during a difficult period with his mental health, Phil started an Instagram page focused on running and his own journey.

Community

He has built up a strong community, with his platform reaching around 150,000 views a month.

Police officers and members of the public across the country follow him and engage with his posts.

And he has received messages from people telling him how much his posts have helped them and their mental health.

“I’m going through therapy for my PTSD and you do have days where you wonder why am I bothering and if anyone is listening?” said Phil, who marked 20 years in policing last week.

“And then out of the blue someone will direct message you and say your post the other that’s really helping me, which is great.

“It’s really interesting for men, especially, when you have a breakthrough.

“Often they think they’re the only person dealing with financial issues, family issues, and you say to them we all have those problems and you can see the pressure lift off their shoulders.”

Campaign

Phil uses his Instagram page to encourage people to get active, whether that means running, walking or simply getting outside and talking.

He launched an online campaign called #RunForTheMind in the summer, which encourages people to be open about their mental health and share their stories.

Other fundraising activities have included selling badges and stickers for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity, which supports the families of police officers who have died in service.

Mental health posters he helped produce have been used by forces including Police Scotland, the Metropolitan Police, Sussex Police and Thames Valley Police.

“I’m just trying to get cops to open up,” he said. “In September last year, when I was off work, I just couldn’t see a way out and I don’t want people to be in that position.

“If I can help one person then that’s fantastic.”

Click here to support Phil’s 5K a day challenge.