Last year I ran 3 half marathons and did a stupidly tough triathlon (all for the first time in my life) and raised a small amount for Saracens Sport Foundation, and this year I've decided to get serious and do some proper hard work to earn some coins, this time in aid of the Mental Health Foundation, the mental health charity that supports an area in health still struggling to receive the respect and attention it needs. I've battled my way through depression over nearly a decade, and it was only through the support, understanding and care of others that I can proudly say I'm somewhere I'd never thought I would be: content, happy and above all, filled with gratitude. 

You can read my story on my blog at http://olibob-mhf.tumblr.com

The Mental Health Foundation helps people in similar positions but also over a much broader range, doing vital work to combat the invisible and often silencing shadow of mental disease. One in four of us experience a mental health problem, but you almost never hear of it due to fears of stigma, ignorance or a lack of empathy pervading. Everyone has the right to be liberated from the shackles of mental health problems, and with the right support, whether they believe it or not, everyone can. 

The Mental Health Foundation knows this and so do I, so I will be running the Edinburgh Marathon, the BUPA Great North Run (half marathon), cycling the Wiggle 91 mile 'Mendips Epic' (with a 4/5 UK cycling difficult rating), and taking part in the London - Brighton bike ride this summer. (Update: now entered the British 10K in July). Also on the agenda potentially will be the ashmei Ullswater 20 mile trail race (running), as well as other cycling sportives and running challenges to add to the UFD Hackney half marathon that I've already run this year.

I don't consider myself a serious athlete, and all of the above will most likely form part of the most testing moments I will experience, both physically and mentally. I don't expect anyone to be impressed by the above, it's just a challenge and I have no sense of entitlement to anything. All money I raise is a blessing and I will constantly be looking for other ways to 'earn' my total.

Thank you for reading :) - olibob