In April 2022, I'll be taking on the challenge of running a half marathon, my first ever race. I'm not an experienced runner but I want to step out of my comfort zone and accomplish an entirely new goal.

To motivate me to give it my all, I've decided to raise awareness and money for local mental health charity, Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest. 

In any given year, mental health problems will affect one in four people in the UK, responsible for the largest burden of disease in the country affecting 28% of the population. The overall number of people reporting mental health problems has been going up in recent years and we have seen a clear increase in the number of people under 25 taking their own life since 2018.

Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest offers a range of support and services to members of the community who are struggling daily with their mental health. While affiliated with National Mind, they are an independent charity responsible for raising their own funds to support vulnerable people in the London boroughs of Hackney, City of London, Waltham Forest and Greater London. 

Extremely grateful for any donations ahead of April, thank you!