Hi to anyone reading this, 

I'm thrilled to be able say that I will be running the 2024 London Marathon in aid of Mind, the mental health charity. 

I remember the very first park run I did at the youthful age of 7, running what now seems a mere distance compared to the prospective 26.2 miles that I will be running. I don't think my 7 year old self would have wanted to be running a marathon 11 years later but here we are. 

As it's my first marathon, I thought I'd put some purpose behind it by raising money for Mind. They're a well known mental health charity that are driven in ensuring anyone battling with a mental health problem gets provided support and respect. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. The work they do is greatly impactful on current society with increasing awareness around mental health across all age groups, especially within young people. 

My first experience with Mind was working in a Mind charity shop which alone made me realise the impact the charity was having, alongside all the behind the scenes that I wasn't seeing. Further into my life, I understood how awareness of mental health holds such importance. With plenty of stigma surrounding it, I want to be apart of the fight towards making people more aware about what it really means to have a mental health issue. From witnessing those around me struggle with their mental health, I have seen the shame they have felt which has led to them feeling like they cannot turn to anyone. With mental health reported to be effecting 1 in 4 people in the UK, now is the time to take action. The resources and support (which I know have helped so many people and even myself in times of need) Mind give, continue to help fight the ongoing battle around mental health so if I could raise a small sum of what they need, it would mean the world to me. 

Your support would be fantastic and greatly appreciated by myself and Mind. I'm very excited to be taking part in this and it is going to be tough to reach the end but your support and motivation will be what keeps me going along the way. 

Thank you so much for reading my story and I can't wait to keep everyone updated! 

Thank you!