Wheezing and spluttering, her breathing grew increasingly more erratic. Everyone else seemed to glide by with such ease, whilst she fumbled along, in an exhausted daze. She wasn't prepared for this marathon, so far from home. Why couldn't she just be doing a comfortable 5km?
She stopped to speak to medical staff to check that she was alright, knowing deep down that she was not. They said they couldn’t spend too long checking her over because she was nearly 18 and told her as long as she checked in with them along the way, she was safe to continue-alone. She kept on going. It's not like you can just take a break and try again tomorrow. Occasionally, she would be boosted at the sight of her friends and family cheering her on. She lifted her head and with a smile she kept on going. Unfortunately, these moments were too few and far between and on the long run, the loneliness and self-doubt crept in. The end felt a million miles away and way too far out of her reach. Alone. Body aching. Feet bleeding. Tears flowing. No medical assistance. She ended the race before she'd reached the finish line.
Only, this marathon wasn't a marathon, it was her life. 

In 2012, a student from Canterbury took her own life after a long battle with severe depression. She had recently started university in Wales and had not been receiving the appropriate support. Afterwards, an NHS trust admitted ‘failings’ over her death. The girl, Lauren Jennifer Smith, was only 18 years old. You may recall the story from the BBC news.

Lauren was a lot more than the depression that devoured her. She was kind, compassionate and brought immense happiness to those around her. She had a way about her that brought magic into the lives that she entered. Her non-judgemental attitude and listening ear made her a true friend that those who knew her could come to for counsel.

I have Lauren to thank for pulling me through the hardest time of my life. When I was ready to give up all hope, she was the listening ear, the kind words and the loving heart that kept me strong. I have Lauren to thank for still being alive today

Training for this marathon has taught me a number of lessons that are true for every day life:
1.) You are never alone. It doesn’t matter whether you are around family and friends, there are wonderful strangers rooting for you to keep going. Strangers that genuinely care for your wellbeing and will go out of their way to help and support you.
2.) Someone out there is going through the same thing. You may not know someone on the same journey but you will meet others going through the same thing, feeling the same pain and you can help push each other through it.
3.) It’s your race. Don’t compare yourself to others. Some people will find it easier than you but the fact that you struggle makes what you are doing even more incredible.
4.) You can pull through pretty much anything. Your mind might tell you that you can’t do it but you are stronger than your negative thoughts and you can cross that finish line.
5.) It won’t always be hard. It doesn’t matter if you slow down as long as you keep on moving. It will be worth it in the end!

Mental health services provided by the NHS are under-funded. This is why mental health charities such as Mind are of vital importance. Mind provides advice and support to anyone with a mental health problem, as well as campaigning to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.In addition to raising money for mind. I am hoping to raise the profile of the charity itself to ensure that young people are aware of the support available to them and also to promote exercise as a means of tackling depression. Mind are those strangers standing cheering you on at the sidelines, making sure you get safely to the finish line. 

Your support is so greatly appreciated xx