1 in 4 of us will suffer from a mental illness each year - a figure that is rising every single year. The huge and ever-growing number of people needing help with their mental health issues means that MIND needs our support, now, more than ever.

Only a quarter of people suffering with mental illness receive help because there is simply not enough funding and resources available to help all of those that need it. MIND provides support, medication, and therapy for those that would otherwise not get any. 

Being able to provide mental health support to those who need it is an issue that is very close to my heart, because untreated mental health issues can have devastating consequences.  A lack of funding and awareness about mental health means that suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 20-34. I am passionate about raising money for MIND, to allow them to continue doing an amazing job providing care, raising awareness, and tackling the stigma associated with mental illness. 

At some point in our lives, we are all affected by mental illness. By setting myself the challenge of running my first marathon, and through your donations, my aim is to allow MIND to help more and more people every single day.

Shayla xxx