Rebecca's London Marathon 2017

Many people when running a marathon will concentrate on the physical fineness of training for a marathon and never think how mentally fit there are for the marathon.

The Virgin Money London Marthon next year for me will not be so much a physical game as I have proved I can already run it. This time it's more of a mental game - getting myself mentally fit to run it next year.

Last year the Marathon brought so much hope. But in the weeks leading up to it, and while running it, I became aware that I was not as mentally fit as I needed to be. When the Marathon was over I found myself a little lost and doubting my future.

I have always been open about my struggle with mental health since my son got sick. Walking into a hospital with my son lifeless in my arm will never leave me, each night I go to sleep and each morning I wake up my heart is broken. Being open about it hasn't just helped me, it has helped other people to open up about how they are feeling too. I was never a runner but I learnt along the way it helped my mental health some days I would run till I cried other days I ran till the pain in my heart had gone and then one day I ran till a smile replaced the tears.

Sharing stories and supporting each other is so important. This is why I'm so proud to be running the marathon as part of the Heads Together team, raising money for my chosen charity, Best Beginnings.

Best Beginnings is a brilliant charity that supports pregnant women and new parents. They help us look after own own mental health. As part of this, they have created an awesome free app called Baby Buddy with more than 200 films in it. Lots are about mental health with experts telling us what we need to know and mums sharing their stories.

The money I am committed to raise for Best Beginnings will help them support thousands more women across the country. I look forward to my ongoing journey with Best Beginnings, raising awareness and vital funds for their important work.



Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.