Hey everyone. In April 2024, I'll be participating in the Reading Half Marathon, not just as a personal challenge, but as an opportunity to support a local charity that means the world to me: Youth Talk. Here is a little bit about my story and the impact they had on my life.

Whilst at secondary school, life took a series of difficult turns. My mum’s battle with cancer and the operations that followed, relentless bullying at school with very little support, dealing with an unsettled breakup between my parents, having to move home twice in three years, and losing the cat meant my self esteem began to plummet and energy to get up in the mornings depleted

Seeking help from my GP, I hoped for the support I needed desperately. However, despite sharing my entire history, I was met with the response that my situation "was not severe enough" for NHS help. This rejection made me feel ever worse, In the weeks following this, I also started receiving death threats from others at school due to someone starting rumours as a joke. After school, I would return to an unsettled home with ongoing building work for some time, leaving me more unsettled. Many afternoons, I'd sit on a park bench on my way home from school, tears in my eyes, feeling lost and having no idea what to do now.

Eventually I turned to Youth Talk who are a local charity who support young people, and they welcomed me with open arms. Yes there was a waiting list but soon enough I was meeting weekly with the best counsellor ever; Jill. She every single week for over 40 weeks listened to me, and despite set-backs during the weeks at home and school, it was my reset of all my emotions for the week. Slowly but surely I was becoming closer and closer to my normal self and she helped me get through losing my Grandad which was a difficult time for everyone.

With Youth Talk's help, I rebuilt my resilience and energy, surpassing levels I had before my life took a turn. I achieved A-levels I'm proud of and had the best summer of my life following them. I embarked on an apprenticeship and have cherished every moment since. 😃

It wouldn’t be fair to say that youth talk alone was responsible for getting me through those tough times. Friends and family played a massive role in keep me busy and happy, even if it was just a phone call. Sometimes friends don’t realise the value a single message can have on a tough day.

I request any support you can give in donating to this incredible cause. The impact they have on countless young lives is truly admirable, and I owe everything I've become to them. Furthermore, Vodafone, my employer, will match all donations, and I will personally contribute an additional 20% to each of your donations.

Thank you for being part of this journey and helping Youth Talk make a real difference in the lives of young people.