I want to start by saying a massive thank you for taking the time to press on my link! 

So, on Sunday the 24th September I am going to be running the Robin Hood full marathon and it is fair to say that I am just a tad scared right now! However not long ago, signing up to the marathon seemed like a great idea! It gave me the motivation to go running on a regular basis and have a new goal to aim towards.

For a long time, I have also wanted to do an event in memory of my Mum and for me this seemed fitting. This is because much like living with mental illness, training for a marathon has been tough. There have been setbacks, as well as many moments of panic and pain! Through learning what works for me, the right support and persistent hard work I can only hope that it all pays off on the day.

It has been a battle to stay positive and confident in the knowledge that my body and mind are capable of doing this! This time last year, I struggled to run to catch the bus, I nearly broke my ankle when walking off a step and my idea of cardio was a brisk walk! So, it's fair to say things have changed quite a bit in the last three months! 

I have chosen to run for Samaritans because it often helps people who have hit rock bottom and are considering ending it all. Samaritans is  primarily a 24 hour phone and message line that is open to anyone. You can be elderly, underage or famous and not have to worry about this information being recorded, affecting your loved ones or affecting your employment. If you call this number it won't even show up on your phone bill, it's completely free from all phones inside of the U.K and you can call as many times as you like.  With someone calling every 52 seconds with suicidal tendencies all that we can hope is that some of these people can get that first bit of very important support in that despairing moment of need. 

There are so many people I have crossed paths with who have suffered or live with different mental illnesses and disabilities and that's why services such as these are so important. Everyone has the right to a healthy mind and a happy life and with every little bit of support we can continue to move in the right direction. Hopefully we can save more mothers,  brothers,  wives,  friends and all loved ones from leaving this world too soon. 

And in that very British way we do,  I can only thank you all yet again  for taking the time to read this and thanks if you decide that you want to support the cause!