Hi, my name is Samantha, and I will participate in the London Marathon 2024 with Mind, the mental health charity.

I have never done anything like this before, but I wanted a challenge! A while ago, I wasn't feeling right & felt my mental health was deteriorating. I knew I needed to do something about it so I got myself back into therapy. This was a big help but I felt I needed more, something to work towards, a new challenge & something out of my comfort zone. As I am also desperate to lose weight I signed up for the London Marathon with Mind; not only will it help me to lose weight, but it will also give me a better mindset.

In August 2022, I got an email saying I'd been accepted! At first I was thinking, oh my gosh! What have I done?! Haha! But at the same time I felt so excited, like I want to do this! So I decided to go ahead. 

In October 2022, I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative issue that slowly causes a loss of sight. There is no cure. This was a lot to come to terms with, but this made me even more determined to do this!

However, I need to raise a minimum of £2000 in donations to Mind, so I am asking, could I please have your help? It doesn’t have to be a lot, I know times are hard. I have other fundraising ideas that I hope will help me as well. I cannot wait to take part! I’ve got nine months to train! London Marathon, here I come! #RunForMind #mentalhealthawareness