Like a lot of people over the last twelve months, throughout relentless lockdowns, I have found that one of the biggest challenges has been to manage our mental wellbeing.

I feel I’m fortunate I’m to spot the tell-tale signs and manage them before they grow. It’s been tough though and I know not every one else has been able to do this.

So a couple of weeks ago after a pretty inspiring Zoom talk by Helen Gillett it made me think that maybe I should try and give back to those who have helped me during this period. She talked about how mental wellbeing was all about social connection, routine and physical health. It was that evening whilst on a run that made me realise that the one place that had looked after all of these areas and kept me positive throughout the lockdowns was my local running club – Marsh Lane Harriers

This group started early 2020 from the ground up when 6 mates decided to resurrect a disused running track and start a community running club. Civil engineers, ground workers and running club members gave their free time to clear the overgrown track and the group has spawned hundreds of members and dozens of other groups that use the site. But it needs to be taken to the next level and lay a purpose built modern track, floodlights and changing facilities.

So on Wednesday 4th March I’m going to be running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours straight to raise money for their future vison for the club. I hope that you can contribute to the fundraising of this club as it’s helping with the mental and physical health of thousands of people.

I did think about giving to a national charity but at the end of the day it’s MLH that have inspired me to give back and if more of us can contribute to local community causes this will stop thousands of people needing the help of national mental health charities and the people with real severe needs can get the help they require.

If you are able to give please do and follow the link below and help create a permanent benefit to a local community that’s unable to get funding from their local council.