Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

At the beginning of July 2017 I made the decision to improve my fitness and diet. I started the Couch to 5K programme and being honest struggled to run continuously for 1 minute. Although it was hard I was surprised to find that I actually enjoyed and looked forward to it. I remember thinking to myself back then that there is no way I would ever be able to run 5k.

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in August 2017 and this made me even more determined to lose weight and get fit. From that point my goal and focus was to reverse my diabetes. The weight started to come off and I reached the stage where I was able to run a 5k and was doing so at least 3 times a week.  I reversed my diabetes by November 2017 and have also lost 3 and a half stone in weight to date.

Looking for a new challenge I decided to take up the 5k to 10k programme. One of my colleagues introduced the notion that I could sign up for the Great Scottish Run and I didn't hesitate. That's my new goal. As I write this I haven't run 10k yet but I am working hard to get there.

Not only is this an opportunity to help keep me on track with my own personal goals but it's also an opportunity for us to raise money for a very worthwhile charity, Mental Health UK. Any money raised will help them continue their great work in improving awareness and the treatment of mental health issues throughout the UK.

I know Mental Health UK will appreciate any donations, however small or large. Please donate to this very worthwhile cause. I need all the motivation and encouragement I can get!!

Donating 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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.