The Celebrate You campaign was created by Mental Health Mates founder Bryony Gordon, mental health advocate Jada Sezer and London Marathon Events in 2019 to encourage women to get active and celebrate body positivity.

Since the pandemic hit, the focus moved to promoting the mental and physical health benefits of being active and Celebrate You now works to inspire people of all ages and abilities to ‘run for your head as well as your heart’.

This year, Bryony will take on a challenge like no other: completing a 10K on 10 successive days in the lead-up to the Vitality London 10,000. This epic challenge will culminate with a Celebrate You wave at the event on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May all to raise vital funds for Mental Health Mates.

Mental Health Mates, set up by Bryony in 2016, is a broad and trusted peer support network for people experiencing mental health challenges that can be accessed both online and in real life. Mental Health Mates also organises walking groups across the UK, providing a save space for people to get active in a positive, supportive environment.

The funds raised will go towards supporting the incredible volunteer walk leaders who give up their time to support those in their community; through training and support. The funds raised will also help Mental Health Mates reach more communties across the UK to ensure as many people as possible have access to peer support without fear or judgement.

Bryony, journalist, bestselling author and campaigner, says: “I set up Mental Health Mates when I was really suffering with my own mental health. My obsessive-compulsive disorder was terrible; I was depressed and in the grip of alcoholism.

“I knew that there were other people out there like me, I just didn’t know how to meet them. So, I created this peer support group that allows people to walk and talk together without fear or judgement and connect with each other.

“I’m incredibly proud of the extraordinary community it has become today, and I only hope that we continue to grow, thrive and reach as many people who need this sort of help as possible.”

Keep up with Bryony’s progress over on Instagram (@bryonygordon and @mentalhealthmates) and watch on as she takes on 10k every day for 10 days come rain or shine (and with some faces you might recognise!).

Thank you for your support.