In March I qualified for the 1/2 Ironman (70.3) World Championships - the highest profile 70.3 triathlon event this year. This involves a 1.9k swim, 90k bike & half marathon against the worlds strongest amateur field. With the event on the horizon I aim to use it to bring attention to an issue that everyone will be touched by indirectly or directly.

Mental health is an issue that has directly effected my family for over fifteen years. Within the UK this issue is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality[1,2]. Despite this it is comparatively poorly funded, both in clinical services[3] and research[4]. NHS services in the UK are struggling to meet demand[5] and support from charities, such a Mind, are needed more than ever.

You can follow my training step by step on strava or my lighthearted build-up reporting on my previously under-utilised Instagram. 

Instagram: MrPete9950

Stava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/11899479

What you can do to help:

1. Talk about mental health.
2. Sponsor me and make a donation to Mind.
3. Get in touch and join me for one (or part of a) training session

References:

1. Morgan et al. Incidence, clinical management, and mortality
   risk following self harm among children and adolescents: cohort study in primary care. BMJ. 2017;359:j4351. doi: 10.1136/bmj.j4351.
2. Schulz et al. Association Between Depression and Mortality in Older Adults. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(12):1761–1768.
   
3. The King's Fund. Mental health - part of The King's Fund Verdict. 2015. https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/projects/verdict/has-government-put-mental-health-equal-footing-physical-health
4. MQ. UK Mental health research funding. April 2015. https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/research/research-funding-landscape
5. NHS Providers. Funding mental health at local level. May 2016. http://nhsproviders.org/media/1945/nhs-providers_hfma_mental-health-survey.pdf