On September 21st 2019, I will be walking a full marathon at night across London to raise money for Mad4Dance. This will be one of the biggest challenges I have faced, firstly it is the furthest I have ever walked and then for it to be at night when I’d usually be asleep in bed!

Julie Laming (the principal of M4D) and the Mad 4 dance team are planning to open a new permanent base for their students and for the classes that they run. However, this space won’t just be a facility for their dance classes.

Their aim is to encourage community & wellbeing groups to come and use the space on a weekly basis; whether it be a safe base for Counsellors & charities or a place for yoga classes and sporting clubs - however they can help facilitate opportunities within the community, especially in young people.

As many as 1 in 5 young people aged 16-24 experience a common mental illness such as anxiety or depression. It is important for them to have a safe, supportive and encouraging environment available to them.

I used to be a student at this dance school and really enjoyed my time there. Julie helped me to become so much more confident and made me believe in myself. I think it is really inspiring what she is planning to do. That is why I would love to contribute to her project, so she can continue to help out more young people and make her dream become a reality!

The project itself is going to cost around £50,000. All the money raised will go towards funding the development of this space. Any sponsorship, I make through this walk would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance for the help and support xx