My name is Paige Turley, I’m 25 from West Lothian, Scotland.

In December last year my hometown sadly lost another friend, son, brother, grandson and upstanding guy, Jamie Aitchison aged 20, after he sadly lost his battle against the scourge of mental health. The tragic news has left a hole in many peoples hearts with many in the community struggling to come to terms with the loss of Jamie, who was the light in a dark room.

Unfortunately, this is news that is heard all too often with mental health reported to be effecting 1 in 4 people in the UK. 

Therefore, I’ve decided to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon (22km) on April 2nd with all donations going towards ‘Mental Health UK’. ‘Mental Health UK’ are an amazing charity who cover the whole of UK and who’s main goal is, a future where no one has to face mental illness alone. They provide transformational services for people such as counselling, practical and emotional support as well as creative and wellbeing activities, from art sessions to our outdoor walking groups, ensuring that everyone has access to the support they need, when they need it, and in a way which works best for them. 

Mental health UK is divided into four charities, each covering a different country, ‘Change Mental Health’ covering Scotland, ‘Rethink Mental Illness’ covering England, ‘Adferiad Recovery’ covering Wales and finally ‘Mind Wise’ covering Northern Ireland. The funds raised will be equally dispersed between the four charities to ensure help is continued to be provided over the country. They help navigate people through the system to ensure they are getting the right support and develop a better understanding of mental health. 

I thank you in advance for reading our story and all donations however big or small are greatly appreciated and will hopefully help towards others in getting the help they need. 

Mental health although not visible is equally important as physical health, therefore it’s vital that there is the support and help available to everyone who is in need. For anyone who is experiencing mental health difficulties or thoughts of suicide please reach out, speak to family or loved ones and contact Mental Health UK or in an emergency 999. Don’t suffer alone. The work these charities do and help they put in place is seriously incredible, as well as help for anyone effected by suicide. Please reach out to friends and ask how they are, ask twice.. you never know what someone is hiding behind a smile. Jamie’s smile was most definitely the brightest in the room.

In loving memory of Jamie Aitchison 

30.11.02 - 28.12.22

Paige x