<p>I am running the London Marathon in April to raise money for research into mental illness.</p> <p>5 years ago I ran the New York Marathon. I thought it would be a stroll in the (central) park, a bit of a jolly. So much so that I decided to run half the thing blindfolded. How wrong I was -&nbsp;I was in pain. My nipples bled.&nbsp;I had to walk up stairs backwards for a week!&nbsp;I swore "never again".</p> <p>Well, I have reneged on that conviction, but I think the challenge is going to be worth it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Those who have experienced mental health problems will know how debilitating a condition it is, life-shattering not only for the victim but also for loved ones&nbsp;around them. Yet, relatively, we know very little about increasingly prevalent conditions such as depression and&nbsp;Alzheimer&acute;s,&nbsp;and so the<a href="http://www.kcl.ac.uk/kingsanswers/neuroscience/newindex.aspx"> King's College&acute;s Neuroscience and Mental Health foundation</a> is funding ground breaking research into the field. They also work closely with the <a href="http://www.maudsleycharity.org.uk">Maudsley Charity</a> in South London, which supports advances in mental health care. Your donation will ultimately help hundreds of thousands of people to&nbsp;live happier lives. Now, you can&acute;t complain with that can you?</p> <p>Thank you in advance for any support you are able to offer,</p> <p>For those of you reading this page in Norway you can always contact me directly if it is easier to make a donation in kroner - +47 47276680</p> <p>Wil x</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.&nbsp;</em></p>