Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Back in the Autumn 2019, I received an email out of the blue from the University of Sussex Alumni Association.  Not the usual 'can you spare a few quid?' email, but an invite to join the university athletics team for a fundraising assault on the 2020 Brighton Marathon, in aid of UoS research into mental health.  Well, Covid-19 put paid to the 2020 efforts of many of us, but I'm pleased to say that we've rolled this page over, and I'm now in training for the 2021 version of the Brighton Marathon.

As many of my friends will know, this ties up so many of my interests and concerns, that I found I couldn't say no.  To start, the issue of mental health - good and not so good - been a recurring theme for the Henson family.  Though in some ways things are so much better than 40 years ago, we've still got a long way to go, in our understanding of the cause of poor mental health, and its impact, including society stigma. I've supported mental health charities before now, in particular those which support the consequence of poor health; now is the time to support research at the root of the problem.

Next, I have always worked in education, and for the last 10 years, in performing arts education.  Over the years, I've seen mental health amongst students become much more of an issue - or at least, our acknowledgement of it and willingness to do something about it has become much more open.  I wholeheartedly support Sussex and other universities and colleges, such as RWCMD where I work, who are being pro-active to student need. 

Finally, the links between physical activity and better mental health are well documented; I'm one of very many who find that running helps.  Though I was occasionally sporting as a student, the thought of representing the university team in a major event would have filled me with dread.  And then, in middle-age, I've found that I can do it, and want to do it, and I've done ok.  So 33 years after graduating, I get to run for the University Athletics Team (sort of). 

Brighton 2021 will bring all of this together; I've run the race before 'for me', so I know what I've let myself in for.  This time, I hope you'll join me in supporting this very worthwhile cause, as I run in support of Sussex research into mental health.

Thank you

Iestyn x