Story
Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
My name is Vikki and I have decided to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 7th April 2024 to fundraise as much money as I can for Mind mental health charity.
Mind is extremely close to my heart.
In April 2023, the world sadly lost one of its most pure and loving souls in my mother-in-law, Paula Lovitt. Paula, 52, was an incredible mother, sister, friend, colleague and all-round inspiring woman and role model, and people always thought themselves lucky to be in her presence. I know I did.
Paula tragically lost her battle against her mental health earlier this year, and losing her has left an enormous aching hole in the lives of everyone she knew and loved, particularly her two amazing children, Chris and Catryn. We were so looking forward to blending our two families into one and for her to be a large part of our wedding. To those who were fortunate enough to meet her and spend time with her, Paula poured her love into her relationships and brought her vibrant energy wherever she went. There was never a dull moment, her stories were full of humour and meaning, and her selflessness had no end. While Paula was quietly facing her own mental health obstacles, she still focused all of her time on making others happy and looked out for every woman, man and their dog.
I’ve chosen to fundraise for Mind because she too was a huge campaigner for the charity and wanted to make a difference for others. Long-distance running is definitely something far out of my comfort zone, but I am passionate about doing what I can to follow in her footsteps and fundraise for such an incredible charity that provides everyone somewhere to go for advice, information or support. Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. When you’re experiencing a mental health problem, having somewhere to go could hopefully change your life for the better. Mind empowers people to understand their mental health because it is something to be honest about – never to be ashamed of. Because of Mind, millions of people have access to the advice and support they need, thanks to their information and services across the UK. They are building on change, but there is much more to do.
I thank you in advance for reading my story, and please know that all donations (however big or small) are greatly appreciated and will help towards getting others the help they need. I also want to thank my own support network for always being there for me and for being my biggest cheerleaders in this effort to run 13 miles/ 21 km in the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2024. I am hoping to make my family, friends, and Paula proud.
This challenge will be tough, but I am so lucky that I will be doing it with my sister, Stella, by my side. We have always lent on each other when we’ve needed it most and I am hopeful that we can work hard to fundraise as much as we can for a wonderful charity that means so much to us both. If you would like to read her story, please follow the link provided below.
For anyone who is experiencing mental health difficulties or thoughts of suicide, or if you have been affected by suicide, please speak to family/ loved ones or contact the Mind helpline number, or in an emergency call 999 or go to A&E. Don’t suffer alone. This is not the first person in my life to have experienced mental health difficulties and I know just how much impact it can have when we feel we can talk to one another. Please reach out to your friends and family and ask how they are. You never know what someone is hiding behind a smile. Paula’s smile was always the brightest in the room.
In loving memory of Paula Lovitt
31.08.1970 - 11.04.23
Vik x