This is the first stage of my goal to raise funds to set up a charity that inspires and supports people with mental health issues, fights the stigma associated with mental health and has a positive influence at a local and national level.

I'm running 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise funds but sadly its very expensive to enter that many marathons, after basic costs of doing the challenge everything I raise will go to setting up the charity.

About me: In 2011 I was diagnosed with severe depression, although I now understand that this had been an issue throughout my life at this stage I broke down and fell into the well of depression.

I spiralled and lost control of my life, I tried to drink myself to oblivion, I gambled to gain any sort of high and eventually I turned to planning suicide. Fortunately I had family and friends who supported me through this whom without, I just wouldn't be here today.

With the support and medication I eventually resumed a 'normal' life after 9 months away from work and the world and regained some of my previous vigour however, I still suffer with severe depression and both at the initial diagnoses and since have faced surprising stigma because of it.

This is the same for many people.

With 1 in 4 people in the UK experiencing mental health issues in any given year, 4-10% of people experiencing major depression and between 2003-2013 18,220 people with mental health issues taking their own lives, more needs to be done to help understanding, provide support and to challenge stigma.

I intend to use the funds raised here to support the costs of completing my challenge and run a 2nd project to generate donations to start a charity that supports local projects that are linked to mental health awareness, combatting stigma and projects that promote, protect and improve children's and young peoples mental health.

Thanks for your support and follow me here;

https://www.facebook.com/465challenge/