I have struggled with my mental health from a young age, from being a little girl who was extremely anxious all the time (which was something I thought was normal and have only come to realise as the truth recently), to suffering from depression in my later teens and all the way through my 20's. I have fallen into depths so deep that there were times when I couldn't see a way out, telling all but one person (during my darkest episode) how I was really feeling, so as not to burden others.  It pains me that I felt like suffering from mental health issues was something to hide, that showing up and being fun and saying yes to everything, in order to fit in was the only way. 

A lot has changed for me in the past few years, including becoming a mother, getting married, and becoming a badass Sober Queen!  All of these have spurred me on to get to this point of signing up for the Marathon and running for Mind.

• I am running for my son, to show him that you can overcome anything if you put your mind to it. I am showing him that getting out of the house and putting one foot in front of the other will take you places that you never imagined you could reach, both mentally and physically. (There were some days when leaving the house to go to the corner shop seemed like the most mammoth hurdle, but stepping out into the fresh air always made me feel better). I want him to grow up and know that he can always talk to me about how he feels and that he will never have to keep something to himself for the fear of shame or burdening others. 

• I am running for my husband who is a mental health first aider and combats Generalised Anxiety Disorder on an almost daily basis, and is supporting me through this crazy marathon training schedule (even though he does think running the marathon is a little outrageous ;D) 


• I'm running this to represent the sober community, and to show how much quitting alcohol can transform your life. For me, it has reduced the rates of panic attacks, constantly feeling anxious, and reduced depressive spells. I am happier, healthier and the most authentic version of myself, and both running and quitting the booze have a huge part to play in that. 


• Last but not least I am running for everyone who suffers from mental health issues. In particular, those who feel like they don't have anyone to turn to. Please don't let anyone feel like that again, and donate today! 

This past year has been hard on everyone and I fully appreciate that not everyone has much to spare, but even a few pounds will make a difference to the final total. 

I appreciate and thank you! 

(Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast, and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.)