As a gift to my Dad for his birthday this year I am running the Essar Chester Half Marathon in his honour, with all donations going to the Mental Health Charity, Mind. My Dad was diagnosed with bipolar during my teenage years, meaning we have been on a rollercoaster of good times and bad together, "after a storm comes a rainbow". When my Dad hit rockbottom, I know he reached for help from Mind, and so I can only try to repay them. Two years ago Dad passed away after a heart attack, with no warning or goodbye, and my world came crashing down. 

So, I am running this race for you Dad, and for anyone else who has/is/will struggle with their mental health. I know Dad would want to see me smiling and living my best life, he always taught me to be brave and spread love, it really does make the world go round! So be kind always, you never truly know the struggles of others. And be grateful for every second you spend with the people you love, life is so very precious.

Most of all - Happy 57th Birthday to the man with the biggest heart I will ever know! I love you Dad x

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