In it together: Mum and daughter Nicola Webster and Emily-Summer Blackburn are taking on the Gung Ho 5k to raise funds for CANW mother and daughter team are taking on the worlds biggest 5k course to raise money for CANW following our fundraising concert to address the mental health issues faced by the countys youngsters. Nicola Webster, 32, and her 11-year-old daughter Emily-Summer Blackburn are getting set for the Gung Ho inflatable obstacle 5k race at Heaton Park in Manchester on Saturday 6th April. The duo, who live in Oswaldtwistle, first became aware of CANW when Emily-Summers school, Saint Marys RC Primary School, took part in the our annual Emojinal Health concert in November 2018. The concert brings together schools from across Lancashire to sing on stage with stars from The Voice and Britains Got Talent, after being coached by opera singer Sean Ruane through a series of singing workshops. Following the concert at Preston Guild Hall in November 2018, Nicola said: I was absolutely blown away by the concert it was such a fantastic show for a much-needed cause. The statistics for children's mental health in our area were shocking and CANW need so much support to keep going. Emily-Summer (far right) at the CANW Emojinal Health concert in November Nicola explained the concert came at the end of a traumatic year for her and Emily-Summer, who suffered with mental health issues throughout 2018 and continues to fight her battles now.

The issues that have been raised regarding Emily-Summer are PTSD, OCD, self-harming, hearing voices and seeing apparitions of the voices. Despite the various levels of intensive psychological testing, Emily-Summers drive throughout all her mental health issues has been sport and fitness, a massive element of her life. This inspired mum Nicola to sign the duo up for the Gung Ho 5k, an event that allows them to conquer obstacles together. Nicola said: Unfortunately we dont share a liking of fitness and physical activity! But by doing this event, I want to show Emily-Summer that by making fun memories, I can tackle challenges just like her. I want to show her anything is achievable as long as its done together we know were there for each other, as we will need each other through this, with me needing her more than the other way around! I want her to feel the strongest she ever has and feel like she can be charge of herself, of me, her fitness and the course.

The ultimate aim is to raise funds for CANW and for us to talk about this day for a long time I want us to reflect on how we felt on this day and use our strength to get through the bad days and nights. Sue Cotton, CEO of CANW, said: Figures show that one in ten children aged 5 16 in Lancashire experience low level mental health issues, but only a quarter of those who need treatment will receive it. Thats why were working to develop our service which will help children address their worries at an early stage before they become part of a bigger issue. Id like to wish Nicola and Emily-Summer the best of luck taking on this challenge keeping fit and eating well is one of the best ways to start controlling mental health problems so Emily-Summer is doing all the right things with the love and support from her mum.