I’ve spent much of my life self-destructing, getting into trouble, and trying to escape a world that never felt built for someone like me.

Today, that’s changed. I’m stable, sober, and rebuilding my life. I’m finishing my journalism degree at the same time as I run the marathon, after three years of therapy, mentoring, and hard work on myself.

It hasn’t been easy. After losing my mum at 14, everything fell apart. My family broke down, I ended up in supported housing, and for years I struggled to find any sense of direction or stability.

In 2022, I was diagnosed with bipolar. Looking back, it explained years of chaos, lashing out, and trying to disappear entirely.

This year is different.

I’m running the Manchester Marathon to prove to myself that I can keep going, even when it’s hard, and to support Samaritans, a charity that makes sure no one has to face those moments alone.

If you can, please donate. Your support helps provide life-saving support to people who need someone to listen.

Every 10 seconds, Samaritans answers a call for help. Samaritans can be contacted round the clock, for free, on 116 123, day or night, 365 days a year. It’s only your donations and 23,000 listening volunteers that make sure Samaritans can be there for someone today, so they can believe in tomorrow.