On July 8th, I'll be completing the Fan Dance (a 25km slog over the Brecon Beacons carrying a small house on my back) to raise £2,500 for the Oxford Parent Infant Project (OXPIP).

Why OXPIP?
OXPIP has been providing life-changing neonatal therapy for parents and infants under 2 in Oxfordshire for 25 years. 

Babies come into the world totally dependent on their parents, not just for their physical needs but also for their emotional and relational needs. OXPIP's incredible work helps parents and babies form the healthiest bonds possible at a critical stage in a baby's neurological development. 

If these bonds aren't formed, there are lifelong implications for how children learn, their ability to form healthy relationships, and their ability to manage their emotions and behaviour.

As someone who's had to navigate my fair share of mental health challenges, I firmly believe that helping babies form these foundations of good mental health early on is critical.

As a trustee of the charity, I have massive admiration for the tireless dedication of the therapists and staff in delivering these vital services to families across Oxfordshire. 

OXPIP's impact isn't just confined to Oxfordshire. The charity also provides nationally-acclaimed training for therapists who want to specialise and provide this form of therapy in other locations. 

Your donation will help OXPIP provide critical mental health support to parents and infants in Oxfordshire and train others to do the same throughout the United Kingdom.

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Why the Fan Dance? 

For children who don't form healthy bonds with their caregivers, the consequences mean that life can be an uphill struggle.

To highlight this, and to celebrate OXPIP's 25-year anniversary, I have chosen to participate in the ~25km Fan Dance race across the Brecon Beacons to help raise money for OXPIP.

I'll be carrying a heavy load on my back (35 lbs plus food and water) and having to summit Pen Y Fan - the highest mountain in the Brecons - twice.

Easy enough... right?

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Thank you for your support. Every penny helps. 

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