I love running. Like, irrationally so. The monotony, the brain space, the buzzy little endorphins. There's nothing better. And it was always my go to solution when I was feeling stressed, or anxious, or frustrated.

However, in my late twenties I developed Depression and I couldn't run anymore - I simply didn't have the energy. Every day was a struggle to get out of bed, and a lot of the time I couldn't even manage that. Almost overnight, the tools that I had lent on to help keep me going when things got difficult were taken away.

After many long years, in 2025 my Depression finally lifted, and I was able to regain some sense of normality (I still have 3 other mental illnesses, so it's relative..). That's why this year, I'm running the Hackney Half Marathon in aid of CALM for those who aren't currently able to. Because anyone, at any point, might need a little extra help.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a suicide prevention charity. They provide tools and resources to help people find the support they need, including a life-saving helpline for people who can’t see a way forward, have lost someone to suicide, or are worried about their friends or loved ones. £12.20 is enough to fund one potentially life-saving call.