Without doubt, I count myself incredibly lucky. I am blessed with amazing family and friends, my own home, a great job and so much more.

I also suffer from depression and anxiety, two of the five most common mental health issues. And I won't lie, that little tag team have pummelled me to my knees more often than I care to admit, particularly since talk of coronavirus became something none of us could escape. 

Thankfully, I have the support of everyone around me and can turn to a counsellor whenever I need her. But not everyone is as fortunate. 

That's why I've set myself the challenge of running a minimum of 5k each and every day for 30 days, starting on July 12, to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity. 

The pandemic has massively impacted fundraising since early last year, with numerous events cancelled due to the various restrictions we've lived under on and off for months on end. 

I won't lie, the third and hopefully final lockdown hit me hard. Life can be difficult enough at the best of times but the daily battle with my head became that bit trickier. And I know I haven't been alone in experiencing tough times. If anything, I'd say I've got off pretty lightly so far.

Rather than let it keep me down now that we're gradually getting back towards something resembling normal life, I'm going to drag myself out and pound the pavements again, just like I used to a few years ago. 

Granted, a minimum of 5k per day may not sound like the greatest challenge in the world. However, trust me when I say it's going to push me to my limits as I try to shed some timber and get back to where I was when I clocked 10k in just under 50 minutes. 

While I'm putting the work in to get back in some sort of shape, I'd really appreciate it if you could support me by donating anything you have spare to help the work of a great charity continue. 

Thank you!

Now for the important stuff...

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