Thanks for taking the time to visit our fundraising page!

This year Tim, Gio and Sanesh are running the London Marathon on October 3rd 2021 - and three other half marathons or marathons, in the space of 4 weeks - to raise money for Mind in the fight for better mental health.

Every penny raised will go directly to Mind, a London-based organisation with the mission to make sure everyone can get mental health support, whoever they are, whatever their race, gender, sexuality, disability or beliefs.

What are we doing?

At work, as a team, we’re always looking to take on challenging projects, and make things happen. So on the 16th August 2021, 6 weeks before the London Marathon, when Gio found places available to support such an important cause, we all took the plunge. Not only have we given ourselves a short window to prepare and raise £6000, we’re also taking on not just one, but four races, in four weeks:

26th September - Hackney Half Marathon (S)
3rd October - London Marathon (T, G, S)
10th October - Royal Parks Half Marathon (S)
17th October - Paris Marathon (G)

Collectively, that’s 131 miles (211km) of racing. Individually, the challenge is uniquely tough. Based on different base fitness levels, race combinations and personal commitments, some are just aiming to finish, others to beat the clock. 

Why are we doing it?

Most of us will feel sad, worried, angry or fed up at times. But for so many, these feelings prevail most days, stopping them from doing what they want or enjoy, or making them feel like they can’t cope anymore. The reasons are many, including problems at home or work, suffering from discrimination, bullying, or abuse, or as a result of trauma, loss or loneliness.

The Covid-19 pandemic has often brought these problems into focus, but they’ve long been an issue, and can happen to anyone. 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. The prevalence of common and severe mental health problems is also increasing. 40% of GP appointments now involve mental health. And the experience can vary between groups. For example, rates of mental health problems can be higher for some Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups than their white counterparts to experience a mental health problem but can be less likely to receive or access support.

Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, for example through their InfoLine, LegalLine, Local Minds networks and Depression Alliance. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding, for example for post-hospital support, young people’s mental health via #FundTheHubs, and their Five Tests for the UK Government. 

We would be hugely grateful for any support. All three of us are very fortunate to at least have great friends, family and colleagues when things get tough, but that’s not the case for everyone. Every donation can help make a difference to the lives of people who are struggling with mental health difficulties, and also spurs the three of us on to give our everything for the cause.

If you are from iwoca please put the business name in there somewhere, or a full name we’ll recognise, as iwoca have generously said they will match any donations you make, which is amazing (thanks iwoca!).

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe - JustGiving will never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity.

Very best

Tim, Gio & Sanesh