Fundamentally - I'm running for 80 days in a row (on a treadmill!) to fund raise for the Mind mental health charity.

What am I doing? I'm running for 80 days on my home Reebok treadmill using the BitGym mobile app. The app provides video footage of running routes all over the world. So I've called it "80 days around the world" and I'm running a new route every day. My TV shows the video - it's awesomely immersive and helps my own mind!

Why?  Near the start of lockdown I had a mental health issue.  I used the Mind website to understand more about what it might be and what my next steps could be.  A lot of this made sense - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/anxiety-symptoms/ 

I sought help from a hypnotherapist and it helped.  Calming sessions and strategies to use when I feel like it again.  Those still help.

Is this about me then?  No - not really.  COVID-19 has created a huge mental health problem for millions of people all over the world.  Over the last 6 months, I've been part of a group who have been left out of all COVID-19 financial support schemes such as furlough or the self employment income support schema and I've seen and read messages from people who've have been pushed into a mental health crisis far far beyond my own.

What have I witnessed by being part of an online community? I have witnessed posts in the group from members who have no money left to feed their family and young children or pay basic bills. I have witnessed posts from those having to close down their businesses because they have no support at all. I have witnessed posts those who have had to sell their homes due to no support. And the worst of all? I have witnessed posts from people who don't want to continue with life.... it's harrowing and just not right so I had to do something.

Will I run every day? Yes unless my physical health (injuries) says no or my mental health deteriorates again and says no.

Please support the Mind charity who helped me and can these people and millions more.

Thanks

Chris