What?
2021 London Marathon 🏃
(26.2miles / 41km / 38,766 steps / x2 very sore legs) 🦥

When?
Sunday 3rd October, 2021 (over and done with in time for Christmas 🤪) 

How?
Plan A: 18-week training program 📈
Plan B: Jelly babies and Gatorade 🍭

Why?

I spent three of the happiest years studying at Bristol – running the marathon on behalf of the University, and for such a great cause, seemed like the perfect opportunity to celebrate the positive impact this experience continues to have on my life. And over the past year or so, in particular, I’ve welcomed any excuse to get out of the house and into the sunshine! 🌞

As many of us know, life as a student can be as daunting as it can be thrilling; suffering from mental health disrupts students academic studies and personal lives often causing them to miss out on the transformative and enriching experience offered by higher education. That's why the mental health and wellbeing of the students is a key priority at the University of Bristol. All fundraising will go towards their Healthy Minds programme, an initiative that utilises the proven benefits of exercise to help students encountering mental health difficulties improve their wellbeing. This includes:

👥 One-on-one mentoring
⚽ Encouraging participation in team sports
🏋️ Encouraging students to attend fitness classes

The NHS recognises that physical activity is strongly linked to positive mental wellbeing. Engaging in regular exercise releases chemicals that boost mood and reduce feelings of stress, depression and anxiety. It can also bring psycho-social benefits such as sense of community and structured routine helping to improve confidence and create a feeling of accomplishment. 🪢

Over the last three years, students who have completed the programme have reported an average of 24% improvement in their wellbeing, with all participants reporting an improvement in their mental health on completion. 🧠

Your donation will help open up the programme to even more students next year, and ensure they get the support they need to achieve a happy and successful university experience. 🎓

A HUGE thank you in advance for your support and encouragement! 😊