I'm incredibly excited to say that I will be running the 2024 London Marathon. Those of you who know me know how important running has been to me in helping managing my own mental health in the last few years. Up until now, the longest distance I've run is a half marathon and so running a marathon will represent a huge challenge for me.

As someone who has struggled with their own mental health battles, I'm honoured to be able to help raise money for such an incredible charity. That being said, I'm under no illusions as to how tough the training is going to be for the event but even harder is the challenge of raising at least £2,000 for an amazing cause.

1 in 4 of us have a mental health problem – but most of us don’t get the support that we need. This has to change. Everyone with a mental health problem deserves support and respect.

Mental health isn’t hidden anymore. It’s on the front pages, at the dinner table – we’re becoming more and more honest about it. But there’s still so much more that needs to be done. Across England and Wales, people just don’t get the support they need when it comes to mental health. It can make getting the right information really hard.

Mind provide an invaluable service to those in need and the money donated will go a long way to supporting those in need.

£20 could run one of Mind's online peer support communities for an hour, helping people connect with others and feel less alone

£40 could help Mind's Infoline answer calls providing someone with vital support and information about help available for them

£50 could help Mind campaign for better mental health services from the Government, ensuring people get the support they need, as soon as they need it

£100 could pay the cost of one of Mind's Infoine or Legal Line advisors for a whole day allowing Mind to maintain vital support services

Thanks,

Ali