Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As someone who has regularly and deeply struggled with my mental health, I have a strong appreciation for charities such as Mind and recognise the importance of what they stand for.

In November 2022, I was diagnosed with OCD, after struggling with severe anxiety and periods of depression for years. This diagnosis felt like the one that made a difference for me, enabling me to understand my brain and learning how to live with my OCD rather than overcome it. I accessed therapy and medication to support my journey. In July 2023, I was signed off from my therapy, and in April 2024, I fully withdrew from my medication. I recognise the value in having access to these tools and in talking, understanding, and being listened to.

I'm raising money to support the invaluable work that Mind do: offering information and advice to people with mental health problems, raising public awareness and understanding of issues relating to mental health, and tackling the stigma that surrounds mental health.

Running is not my favourite thing to do, but moving my body played a massive role in improving my own mental health - and from there came the idea to commit to running a 5k (something that is terrifying to me as at the moment I can't run for 1 minute consistently without getting exhausted...) whilst hopefully raising some money for an important cause that is close to my heart.

1 in 4 people have mental health problems, most of us don't get the help we need. Mind aim to make mental health an everyday priority by standing up to the injustices which make life harder for those of us with mental health problems.

Mind believe that everyone with a mental health problem should have access to excellent care and services and should be treated fairly, positively, and with respect.

£20 could help Infoline answer calls, giving people vital support.

£50 could help Mind to campaign for better mental health services from the Government.

£100 could pay the cost of one Mind Infoline or Legal Line advisor for a whole day.

£0.83p from every £1.00 is spent on supporting people with mental health problems.

Any donation will make a huge difference.