Two years on and I have decided to run the Bank of Scotland Glasgow Half Marathon again this year on 1st October. I am older, heavier and much less fit so this will be an even greater challenge than last time. I have decided to run for Mental Health UK which is the Lloyds Banking Group charity of the year. We aim to raise £2M in 2017. This a network of four national charities who have come together to tackle mental illness across the UK – activity in Scotland being delivered by Support in Mind Scotland.

Mental illness affects more people every year than cancer or heart disease but in many cases it’s an illness which is invisible to others. One in four of us in the UK will be affected by a mental health problem in any given year and so it is likely all of you reading this will have personal experience of mental illness in your families or amongst your friends. I’m very proud to have a sister-in-law and a father-in-law who are mental health nurses but the NHS can’t do it alone. Through early interventions and support, the impact of poor mental health can be reduced and Mental Health UK play a key part.

I appreciate there is always someone asking for your support for a worthy cause but I’d be very grateful for your sponsorship. My employer Lloyds Banking Group will match every £1 donated and with gift aid every £1 donated will result in £2.25 going to charity .

Thank you for your support. It will give me the motivation to cross the finishing line!