Hi, I’m Maddie and I’m running the Plymouth Half Marathon for Devon Mind.

They provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing mental health problems. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding of mental health. 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health difficulty at some point in their lives; whether that be depression, anxiety, stress, or any other challenge – Devon Mind if here to support anyone who may need help.

A little bit about me and my story:

I first started experiencing mental health difficulties 10 years ago when I was in Secondary School. Depression and Anxiety has plagued me every day, and whilst on the outside I may present as a bubbly and confident woman; inside I can feel like the world is crumbling and can struggle to get even the simplest of tasks done. Experiencing these struggles as a teenager is what interested me in the field of Psychology, and I have gone onto complete a BSc and a MSc in Psychology at Cardiff University. My aim is to help others who have been or are in the same situation as I have and hopefully empower them to have the tools to develop their skills and manage their symptoms more effectively. I am a proud employee of Devon Mind as a Mental Health Recovery Practitioner providing frontline interventions to individuals in the community. Devon Mind, and my fellow colleagues have supported me and pushed me to be not only the best professional I can be, but also the best individual I can be. Although I am leaving my role at Devon Mind to continue my career directly in the NHS, I commit to continue to be an advocate for Devon Mind and local services in Plymouth. 2 years ago, I developed a seizure disorder, which impacted every aspect of my life. Suddenly, I lost all independence and control over my body. I can honestly say it was the scariest time of my life. Whilst I am happy to share, I am currently 12-months seizure-free and have a diagnosis of Functional Dissociative Seizures; it is clear to state this was a direct link to my mental health struggles and being unable to handle the stressors in my life. Now I am healthy and independent again, I want to push myself to achieve something that 14-year-old and even 22-year-old Maddie could have never imagined!

Any and all donations or support is greatly appreciated whilst I train and attempt to “run” the Plymouth Half Marathon for Devon Mind.