Having struggled with my own mental health for many years & needing intensive treatment for Anorexia, EUPD, Depression & Anxiety, I really wanted to complete the 100 Miles in October for MIND. 

I’ve been working super hard on managing life with chronic illness whilst ensuring my mental health remains stable, so because of this, completing the 100 Miles in October myself is a no no! 

Determined to complete a small amount, I reached out on my @emsmigraine Instagram account & a little team has been formed with all of us having some kind of disability. Our aim is to reach 100 miles between us between us all (any extra is a bonus) without making our conditions worse, & of course, to raise awareness & money for MIND. 

So our amazing team includes: 

Vicky @migraineandmee - Having struggled with my own mental health for quite a few years now and having formed friendships with those who have been and are going through similar, completing this challenge of 100 miles for MIND is really important me. Chronic illness has been draining on both my mental and physical health and that made the whole 100 miles seem pretty daunting. When ems contacted me and said let’s do this as a team, I thought perfect! And here we are, as a team ready to smash it together💪🏼💪🏼

Gemma - I've struggled with migraine for 15 years and the past 2 years my attacks have become more severe. This in turn has made me struggle with anxiety and has an impact on my day to day life. Exercise often brings on a migraine attack so it's been great to embark on the 100 miles as a team throughout October and raise money for an amazing charity. So many of my friends and family have struggled with their mental health so I decided to embark on a course with MIND to become a mental health first aider at work. It's been instrumental throughout the pandemic in giving me the tools to help as many people as I can.

Donna - I have suffered with MS for 8 years now and due to complications, I have tendon dysfunction and now arthritis in my foot, bringing chronic pain. I also have long covid since becoming very poorly with it 10 months ago. I have always had my ups and downs since the MS diagnosis but the Covid caused the MS to relapse twice and the foot has worsened also, not to mention post covid issues. In the last year, my mental health has been significantly impacted and I had to seek Help for this.It has increased my awareness of mental health  massively and in my job as a nurse I have also seen an increase in mental health difficulties over recent months. Love this idea of joining others to raise money for this incredible charity ❤️

Lexie @thespooniediary - I’ve struggled with my own mental health over the years and I know lots of close friends and family members who have too and have always wanted to give back and raise awareness! The thought of walking 100 miles myself seemed impossible whilst also working full time and having chronic health problems so when Ems contacted me to suggest we set up a little team to do it together it sounded like the perfect idea!  Very excited to smash it with these girls ☺️

Molly @me.myself_and.fibro - I’m doing this challenge to give something back to a service that has supported me with my mental health for many years. I’m also not able to do the full 100 miles due to physical health difficulties, so I’m super excited to be part of a team! Teamwork makes the dream work💕

Shelley @foodiemonster1985 - I, like 1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis. As common as diabetes but so little known and underfunded this chronic health condition takes on average eight years to diagnose. I'm joining with others to collectively walk 100 miles to help raise awareness of physical and mental health because they are both so very important to getting the best out of our everyday lives. It's time we're open about both with our friends, family and colleagues and break down those taboos🤗

Vanessa @vtillett - I’m the fossil of the team! I’ve had fibromyalgia for some 14 years and would struggle doing this challenge alone what with having the delightful joys of fibro, work and life in general.  I would say I don’t have a problem with my mental health but seeing that I have been on antidepressants for 11 years maybe I’m kidding myself 😳 I was put on them around the time my son was diagnosed with Aspergers.  I personally struggle to open up to family and friends when I need to as I always feel they have enough on their plate but I am trying.  You can read my beautiful daughters struggle with her mental health above (@emsmigraine) and I couldn’t be prouder of how hard she works to juggle her health and work.  With my son having Aspergers, that doesn’t go amiss with mental health struggles, so this is such a worthwhile cause. 

We hope you are able to support us with our fundraising for MIND. Any donations or shares are really appreciated! Lots of love x 

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