Please help spur me on to cross the Edinburgh Marathon finish line by supporting The Pearl Exchange - a remarkable charity which supports the mental wellbeing of 18-35 year olds in Cornwall and Devon.

The Pearl Exchange founded in 2020 came about following the death of Pearl Bamford aged 19 in 2019. Her parents Rose & Johnny having helped Pearl through her struggles experienced first-hand the lack of support, direction and hope for her generation. They felt compelled to assist the vulnerable 18-35yr olds of Cornwall and Devon to help them build more positive futures.

The Pearl Exchange provides a safe, welcoming and vibrant space for young adults to make connections and share experiences with a programme of free creative, educational and wellbeing workshops, courses and activities.

From music workshops, to financial advice, to creative writing or how to get ahead in business, their eclectic programme is tailored to help improve young people's confidence alongside their social and practical skills.

The Pearl Exchange also provides access to free one to one counselling with minimal waiting times. Providing counselling for hundreds of young people to date who would otherwise still be on lengthy NHS waiting lists they regard as one of their greatest achievements.

For more information on The Pearl Exchange please see : https://thepearlexchange.org.uk/about/

The last full marathon I ran was 20 years ago in 2005 - I found it horribly tough then and swore never to do another. I am under no illusions about the size of the challenge this represents for me this time around. It will help me enormously to know that any money I may be fortunate enough to raise will benefit such a fantastic cause. I have witnessed the cruel and devastating effect depression can have, not only on an individual, but the excruciating pain of the ripple effects on those who love them. It's wonderful to think that The Pearl Exchange offers a practical, creative and inspirational ray of hope for vulnerable young adults.

So, to quote my daughter Lucy Bruton who's also running The Edinburgh Marathon, for her chosen charity Medical Aid For Palestinians, If you'd buy me a congratulatory drink or a cup of coffee for crossing that finish line, please consider donating to The Pearl Exchange instead.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page - and thanks (?) to Jill Potterton/Rolt for providing me with this challenge!

Carey xxx