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This October I will be running the Amsterdam Marathon. I started running back in January when I got Winston( the doggy), one thing led to another and after a few months I stopped taking my phone with me to call an ambulance and actually started to enjoy myself.
It has been tough, you just don't take into account all the things that can go wrong!! I managed to convince four more victims to join me in Amsterdam but from a team of 5 we are down to 3, and at one point we were down to 1! Between us we've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, twisted hips, lost toe nails, sliced open and twisted knees and I would hate to know how much money we have spent on physios, kit and food - its a hungry business running! There is no doubt that it has been a struggle both mentally and physically but however hard it has been, it was my decision to undertake it and so far no regrets! Unfortunately though, there are millions of us who endure a different type of mental challenge and not by choice.
Mental Illness affects 1 in 4 of us at some point in our lives, and its not just the old. We all know someone who has been affected by mental illness, whether it is depression, an eating disorder, an addiction or alzheimers - mental illness is sadly a part of ourlives. There are very few cures, outreach and support is marginal and so often these problems are swept under the carpet- but it is so important that this does not happen. Mental illness is just as real as cancer and it must not be ignored. I am running the marathon for the mental health charity SANE - here are some of their objectives.
- To raise awareness and respect for people with mental illness and their families and secure better services
- To undertake research into the causes of serious mental illness through The Prince of Wales International Centre for SANE Research
- To provide help and information to those experiencing mental health problems, their families and carers through SANEline and SANEmail.
Major concerns highlighted by SANE have been the prevention of suicide and self-harm, the improverishment of psychiatric wards and services, the need for a better balance between rights in mental health law, and the link between cannabis and psychosis. SANE's Art Awards have encouraged nearly 200 artists and writer with serious mental illness to explore their creative ability.
I am sure you will agree that this is a very worthy cause - if you would like to know more about SANE you can visit their website - www.sane.org.uk.
Please spare your pennies - preferably your pounds, this is a cause very close to my heart and with your help we can make a difference.
Wish me luck! And thank you all in advance
Lots of love
EmilyDonating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
