At the age of 16 whilst I should’ve been in school studying, instead I was an inpatient at a psychiatric unit on suicide watch and receiving treatment for depression and stress-induced psychosis. Unfortunately during this time, depression also claimed the life of my best friend. He was only 17 years old. 

It was an incredibly difficult part of my life that only in recent years have I come to terms with the severity of the situation. It destroyed relationships with friends, family, loved ones and myself. I’m truly grateful to be alive and to have been kept safe by those around me when all I did was lash out. 

Although an astonishing amount of progress has been made since then and I’m happy within myself, depression can still rear its head. It can do for many people and it’s especially distressing for those who don’t have a support network. 

I’m proud to be running the Cambridge half marathon as part of the Charlie Waller team. This incredible charity provides practical strategies to help those in need take care of your their own mental wellbeing but also train primary health care and professionals to recognise the early onset signs and symptoms of depression. 

Speaking from my own experiences, had my depression been recognised sooner, I’m almost certain it wouldn’t have got to the destructive state it did. It’s been challenging to open up about this as publicly as I have but that’s one of the most vital steps. We talk. Depression can effect everyone and unfortunately, end lives early. So this is my contribution to breaking down the stigma. 

Thank you for any donation made to supporting this amazing charity and the work they do. 

In loving memory of Mark x