Hi everyone, 

On 1 October 2017, I am running in a 10k race for Mental Health UK with Bank of Scotland, and it would be great if while I happen to be doing that, you happen to consider donating to Mental Health UK.

'10K!' I hear you scoff! Yep, it's no marathon, the distance is small, pitiful even, but the effect of your contribution is not. 

Mental Health UK campaigns for better mental health and offers support and programmes throughout the UK. By donating, you are helping continue their important work.

Why is it important? Well 10% of children and young people have a mental health problem and 1 in 4 people struggle with their mental health. Mental health is often not given the attention it deserves because mental health problems, unlike more physical maladies like broken bones, are not always visible.

And if my 10k achieves anything, it at least got you to have a glance at a post about mental health and remember that it's still an issue, and we can do something about it. 

On a personal note, I like 25% of our population, have been affected by mental health issues. I'm indebted to a whole team of mental health professionals who have helped me since the age of 12, and continue to help me now. 

The more we talk about it, the better it gets. So as I'm puffing and sweating, tomato red, and swearing profusely and wishing I were a little bit fitter while I run that 10k, I'll be thinking about all the people that had my back and hope that I'm helping ensure there's always someone there to turn on the light for someone in the dark.