I am running the Derry Half Marathon to raise money and awareness for Cystinosis Ireland- A charity that has been so generous to my cousin and her family. My 2 year old cousin was diagnosed with the rare degenerative disorder of Cystinosis. There is treatment for this, however it comes with its unpleasant side effects. Treatment is only possible through the fundraising efforts of others and the money raised can go toward further research to advance treatment options and hopefully eventually get a cure.

A 2nd reason is very personal to me and something extremely hard for me to admit to...I don't like to talk about it or offload it to others as I still feel embarrassed about it, and still struggle with it daily. For over a year now I have been dealing with an eating disorder- Anorexia Nervosa. For a long time I denied that there was an issue and in February 2017 my weight had dropped so low that my family were more than concerned for my health and helped me to take the right steps forward and seek help... I continued to deny there was an issue and blamed my depression, anxiety and weight loss on high stress with university and teaching practice.  5/6  months  later,  thanks  to  the   Eating  Disorder  clinic  in  Omagh I  am  doing  well  in  recovery,  with  my  weight  restored  and  back  to  a  healthy  BMI.  They  have  helped  me  through  one  of  the  hardest  times  of  my  life,  and  although  I still rely  on  their  help,  support  and  advice  I  think  it's  time  I gave  back  and  helped  raise  awareness  for  mental  health  issues  in  young  people.  Because  'It's  ok,  not  to  be  ok.'