Story
I've (Oscar) recently joined CAPE as a trustee and have seen personally what amazing work it does in Ealing to help people through some really difficult times. Three of us (Oscar, Uemit and Trevor) have decided to run the Ealing half marathon to support its work.
We are beginning to talk about mental health a lot more, which is great, and charities like CAPE are providing the practical and emotional support on the ground to make a difference to people's lives when they need it most and often when little or no other support is available or forthcoming.
I'm sure we all look forward to a day when mental health support is as comprehensive or available as mainstream health services, but the reality now and in the future is that the support and services CAPE provide will remain essential to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
We are not runners, this is my first half marathon, if you'd asked me a year ago whether I'd ever run a half marathon or anything close I'd laugh out loud at the mere thought. I'm very grateful to the 'dads on Framfield Road' for all their support (pub and running company). With their help I've discovered what a real difference exercise and being active in your community can make.
I confess I don't really have a time I'm aiming for, for the half marathon on the 24th, although I hope it will be respectable (injuries allowing). I'm told (by my very honest and supportive charity fundraiser wife) this is not a very helpful line to take for fundraising, but whilst the Ealing half marathon is important to me, the truth is that it is largely symbolic, and part of a much bigger and much more important shift in my priorities. The sort of shift CAPE dedicates a lot time and effort every single day to support many many others to make.
We are beginning to talk about mental health a lot more, which is great, and charities like CAPE are providing the practical and emotional support on the ground to make a difference to people's lives when they need it most and often when little or no other support is available or forthcoming.
I'm sure we all look forward to a day when mental health support is as comprehensive or available as mainstream health services, but the reality now and in the future is that the support and services CAPE provide will remain essential to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
We are not runners, this is my first half marathon, if you'd asked me a year ago whether I'd ever run a half marathon or anything close I'd laugh out loud at the mere thought. I'm very grateful to the 'dads on Framfield Road' for all their support (pub and running company). With their help I've discovered what a real difference exercise and being active in your community can make.
I confess I don't really have a time I'm aiming for, for the half marathon on the 24th, although I hope it will be respectable (injuries allowing). I'm told (by my very honest and supportive charity fundraiser wife) this is not a very helpful line to take for fundraising, but whilst the Ealing half marathon is important to me, the truth is that it is largely symbolic, and part of a much bigger and much more important shift in my priorities. The sort of shift CAPE dedicates a lot time and effort every single day to support many many others to make.