The last time I ran a half Marathon i swore it would be the last one i would ever do. Because it was bloody hard.  But that was 9 years ago and now here I am with a starting place for my ‘home' half-marathon the Great North Run.

So why have I chosen to put myself through this all over again?

This year I will be running to raise money for the amazing charity that is Mind. Mind specialise in supporting individuals who are suffering from mental health problems, which is one in four of us.

I am choosing to run for Mind in support of friends and family who have suffered, battled and beaten mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.

At the least, for myself, who has been lucky enough to recover from the bouts of anxiety and panic disorder I experienced a few years ago.

But for two people in particular who mean so much to me.

Firstly in memory of my best friend Stu, who ended his life after a battle with depression which he kept largely to himself. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45, which is chilling and means we lose so many amazing people too soon.  

Stu was a hugely impressive bloke. He raised money for climate charities, worked in soup kitchens and was a selfless solid mate. I miss him every day. Mind give support to his family to help them cope with the grief his passing has caused to us. 

But also out of love for my brother Lee, who has battled childhood trauma and addiction for much of his adult life. Lee has recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness. He is fighting this just as hard as he has fought his addiction and I am immeasurably proud of him and who he is. Mind support those battling addiction which is often linked to wider mental health issues.

There are so many more people I can think of that are fighting their own battles, I am sure you will know many yourself.  And unfortunately mental health care is chronically underfunded in the UK today, so the money really is needed.

So I am running my first Great North Run in memory of my friend, in love for my brother and in the hope that the money can support those we know who are fighting their own battles as we speak.

Anything you can spare is hugely appreciated, but even a word of support would be bloody brilliant.  Because i am no longer the fit 28 year old I once was, and I’ll need all the help I can get. 

Thanks all. 😊