MQ's vision is simple: to create a world where mental illness is understood, effectively treated, and ultimately prevented. Together we are championing and funding research into mental health that will change millions of lives. Better is possible.

There are some more personal drivers that link me to this cause and this challenge …

Firstly, several family members and friends are on the spectrum.

My son Tom has been diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), which is a broad term for a number of mental health issues.  He has had a long journey, working through many social & learning difficulties, various health & medication hurdles but on the flipside also starting this September 2022 a Law Degree at University.  

Tom had a traumatic start to life, nearly dying at birth.

We have been advised that the extended trauma triggered before the emergency caesarean was undertaken, meant his neuron development was impacted.  As a consequence, and thankfully only temporarily, he had sight, speech and hearing difficulties when he was very young, and this is when we saw his underlying learning differences and difficulties emerge.  

Whilst he had support of additional teaching and CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), he has also done his own research into the longer term effects of the medication he was prescribed.  Some of them relate to long term bone density, limitations on growth through puberty, potential fertility issues and more day to day effects around sleep patterns, mood swings and inability to focus and regulate behaviour.  

We know first-hand what Asperger’s, ADHD, depression and more simply, differences in learning needs means for young people going through our education system and facing health issues associated with both the conditions and the medication available.  

The spectrum obviously allows for a wide variety of issues and needs, and Tom regards himself lucky that his issues are not as severe as many others face.  

More funding and specialised research can improve this imbalance and other people’s treatment and quality of life.

Secondly, I have been a primary school governor since 2017 and in this role, I got to see first-hand the extent and range of mental illness and wellbeing issues that reach across a typical school.

Lastly, I’ve taken on this massive challenge to help raise donations and inspire others to achieve their goals!  

I feel confident going for this, however, I have NEVER run a marathon, until a month ago I hadn’t run 10km since I was in school (that’s a number that somewhere between the number of miles and number of kms in a marathon, if you want to work it out).

Most of you won’t know, but for about 300 days in 2020, I set about getting fit and losing weight.  I lost over 25% of my bodyweight, so I believe I have the persistence and underlying strength to build myself up to achieve this goal next April which is less than 200 days from now!!

Stop and think for a second: You will all know someone with a mental illness whether you can observe it or not … 

Statistically, 1 in 4 people are affected by mental illness every year and only 1 in 4 of those experiencing a mental health condition are currently receiving treatment, so every donation helps!

THANK YOU!