Story
<p><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Sunday 17 April 2011 I joined thousands of others lining the streets of London to cheer on the marathon runners, not just for their ability to run 26.2 miles but also for the money raised for charity which for most is the true essence of the day. In 2007 I joined those on the road to raise money for Barnados; In 2012 I will be joining the runners again but this time the charity I will run for is <span style="color: #00b0f0;">Rethink Mental Illness</span><span style="color: #0070c0;">.</span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #005dab; line-height: 115%; font-family: &amp;amp;amp; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #00b0f0; line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt;">Rethink Mental Illness</span><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt;"> is a charity that is close to mine and Jess’ hearts; it aims to help everyone affected by severe mental illness, such as Bipolar disorder, to have a better quality of life and access to the treatment that they deserve. Getting help when in a crisis can be difficult at the best of times, but when you’re struggling with a system that is understaffed and incapable of providing the care needed it is even worse. If you have a broken arm you go to the hospital and get treatment day or night, if you are awake at 3am with suicidal thoughts, you are alone until someone has a free appointment in their diary, possibly in 2 weeks time, for some too long to wait. Sadly for us this is a recurring theme which is why we are so passionate about raising money for a charity that aims to stops this. <span style="color: #00b0f0;">Rethink</span><span style="color: #00ccff;"> Mental Illness</span> campaigns against budget cuts, against prejudice and discrimination and provides much needed support for the people that need it.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been lucky enough to get a guaranteed place for next year’s marathon and Jess has been given a gold bond place. As a result of this we will need to raise a minimum of £4000 but we think with your help we can make even more than this; we also intend to run in costume. We have spoken to our friends that have bipolar disorder and the common theme is that there are days when you are on top of the world, when nothing could be better, “the Midas touch” a feeling of pure exhilaration. Then there are the days where getting out of bed is the most difficult thing you could ever be asked to do, when everything is black and tomorrow seems like years away. With this in mind we plan to run in costume made up of half pyjamas and half a pretty dress to show the two sides to this illness. (Pictures to follow!)</span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt;"> adamant that things have to change in ‘The System’ and the only way we can do this is to raise the much needed funds so that this information can be spread and the services improved. Please help us achieve this goal by spreading the word, sponsoring us or even holding your own fundraising event on our behalf. In return we will keep you updated on training progress, we’ll send you photos of the costumes and we will tell you why <span style="color: #00b0f0;">Rethink Menatl Illness</span> is so very important.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you want any more information please don’t hesitate to get in touch.</span></span></p>
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