I’m running the Great North Run 2026 for Mind — a cause that has become deeply personal to me.

When I first signed up, I was running in memory of my friend Tom, who tragically took his own life. Losing him changed the way I think about mental health forever and made me realise how important it is that people have access to support when they need it most.

Since then, my journey has taken an unexpected turn. After experiencing my own mental health crisis, I reached one of the lowest points of my life. It showed me how mental health struggles don’t always look the way people expect, and how someone can be silently struggling even when everything appears fine on the outside.

Recovery hasn’t been easy, but it has been a journey of learning, rebuilding, and finding strength through support. Running the Great North Run is my way of turning pain into purpose — honouring Tom’s memory while also sharing my own story and helping others feel less alone.

Mind provides vital support, resources, and hope to people facing mental health challenges every day. Every donation helps make sure that someone in crisis has somewhere to turn.

If you’re able to support, thank you — it truly means more than words can say.