I am privileged to be running the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Half Marathon in support of the Festival of Life and Death, a global initiative striving for a world without suicide.

Festival of Life and Death is an open movement which promotes a proactive approach to wellness through creativity (arts/music/crafts/food) and connectivity (with people and nature). The project aims to help everyone live well by improving the modern world:

“To live more like we are designed to live. To eat well, sleep well, exercise, socialise, sing and dance, and laugh and play, and to work in ways that make us happy and fulfilled, not ill and sad.” (FoLaD)

Your donations will help to support FoLaD to continue to promote mental health and wellness initiatives and create a society that allows everyone to live. Nobody should have to choose death, because life is harder.

Any donations would be hugely appreciated by both myself and the FoLaD.

Please find out more about The Festival of Life and Death and how you can get involved!

https://festivaloflifeanddeath.org/

Important: As Festival of Life and Death is not a registered charity, funds will be raised via Crowdfunding and then paid directly to FoLaD.

UPDATE (PLEASE READ):

Hello! Firstly, I would like to thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for sponsoring my half marathon. It was the most physically demanding thing I’ve ever done but your support genuinely helped me to the finish line (and 2 miles beyond as the race was cut short).

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I have chosen not to donate the money to Festival of Life and Death. The founder, Alan Chapman, is making changes to certain aspects of FoLaD and at present, there are no upcoming projects that need funding. Although I have the utmost respect for Alan and Festival of Life and Death, I believe that at present, your money would be better spent elsewhere. I have shared my feelings with Alan, and with his blessing, we have decided that Maytree would greatly benefit from your donations.

Maytree is a registered charity which provides residential stays for individuals in suicidal crisis. During their stay, individuals are supported by a small team in a safe and protective environment. There is currently only one Maytree house, but Maytree will soon open a second house in Manchester. Therefore, your support will be greatly valued by the charity. Maytree also operates a helpline for those who are feeling suicidal.

Alan had hoped to develop his ‘Feelgood Farm’ to offer a similar safe environment for individuals in suicidal crisis. However, he has sadly decided to sell the farm and therefore, your money can instead support the continuation of work at Maytree house.

I hope that you’ll agree that the decision to donate to Maytree respects your intention to donate to a suicide prevention cause. Maytree supports those during a mental health crisis and really does save lives. You can find out more by visiting their website https://www.maytree.org.uk/.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your amazing generosity. I am so grateful, and I am sure that Maytree will be too! I have tried to do right by everyone by choosing to donate to Maytree, however, if anyone has any issues with my decision then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,

Cerys