Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

It feels pretty surreal getting to the point where I’m setting up the justgiving page for this challenge.

On Saturday 30th April 2022 I will begin running the North Sea Cycle Route (yes I mean running, it’s not a typo).  I will be aiming to cover approximately 3,455.5 miles in 100 days.  This will be the biggest challenge I have ever undertaken. To be honest, I’m pretty sure I’m only scratching the surface of emotions, obstacles, the highs and the lows. 

In the meantime, due to lockdown restrictions any Covid in Europe, it is safest and most sensible to stay in the UK. I have decided to turn the challenge on its head.  I will cover the equivalent miles this year (2021)  walking/ running/ cycling and many other ways , including a space-hopper mile 😬. Check out the Facebook page - @2021runnorthsea 

My why is simple - Mental Health matters.  I see the positive impact of exercise, physical activity and movement on people’s health (both mental and physical) every day through my work as a personal trainer. My own personal experiences also highlight this every single day to myself, I’d love to help even just a few see and feel those rewards themselves.  Beyond that we need someone to speak up, to advocate on our behalf when it comes to more national and international levels.  That is where SAMH come in, not only do SAMH advocate for those with mental illness and mental health ie everyone, but they operate within our communities as well.

I have been lucky enough to be in a position to speak about my own experiences, the challenges I have undertaken to raise funds for locally based charities, to raise the profile of mental health in Dundee (particularly the positive work that happens on a daily basis, year after year by those working in the sector) through establishing Heart Tay Heart - Dundee Mental Health Awareness Week in 2016. Going into schools and speaking, helping to make that conversation normal is such a rewarding part of public speaking.

I really hope that together we can do even more.  This will be my final big challenge to fundraise like this.  I find it incredibly exhausting organising everything that goes into fundraising and challenges.  It has a significant impact on my own mental health which I work really hard to look after.  Let’s really go for it folks.

Thank you so much.