Thank you very much for taking the time to visit my fundraising page for the London Marathon. For anyone who knows me, they will know I'm not a natural athlete so running the marathon will be a significant personal challenge. But self-flagellation is not my only motivation.

I am running, to help in a small way, all those who suffer from mental distress.

Mental distress, in all its forms - whether it be depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or stress - is unfortunately one of the most common health problems to affect people. One in four of you reading this page will suffer at some point in your life. 4000 people in the UK this year will lose hope to the point where they will take their own life.

I have experienced first hand the impact mental distress can have on an individual and those who love them. I know too well that it is often hard to understand mental distress, and hard to know what to do to help.

One way you can help is by supporting Mind, the National Association of Mental Health.

Mind works in the UK to make a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress. Their activities range from advancing the interests of those with mental health problems on a national political stage to operating local drop-in centres, counselling, befriending, advocacy and employment schemes. They also actively work to help improve understanding of various forms of mental distress - whether it be for relatives or for employers. For more information please visit www.mind.org.uk

Mind are at once a very practical and compassionate organisation; and I truly respect their work.

Mental health issues are one of the least understood areas of human health but in some ways the most important. However mind is funded entirely by donations and depend on support from the general public for their continued existence.

I ask you to please sponsor me as generously as you possibly can.