It’s been a few years since I’ve done a big run. Life has gotten busy with kids and it’s not always been easy.

5 years ago after the birth of our eldest, my wife Nic was diagnosed with postnatal depression and anxiety. We were first time parents, in a national lockdown, trying to navigate a really tricky time. It was incredibly hard knowing how to support Nic through some of her darkest months, and at times I felt useless and my mental health suffered as a result. We’d done all the antenatal classes, NCT but we felt completely unprepared for this.

When pregnant with our youngest, we received support from Smile Group, a mental health charity based in Cheshire East. Just knowing that there was support available meant we had a completely different experience second time around.

Nic now works for Smile, and has seen first hand the amazing work they do. They support parents through what can be an isolating and overwhelming time for so many. 1 in 4 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads struggle during pregnancy and after baby arrives.

The money raised will help Smile to continue running their peer support groups, home visits, family sessions and counselling for families who need it most.

Running hasn’t been a big part of my life (or this training plan) for a little while now and I’ve just done my longest run in years and my whole body is paying for it. So any monetary encouragement would be greatly appreciated to drag me across the finish line of the Manchester Half marathon in a few weeks time.