2025 was a mixed year for the Hayes family. We welcomed our baby son to the world and alongside his big sister, we were the happiest family of 4 there could be.

All was not as it seemed though. After 1 week, my wife and partner of 10 years started acting strangely. She seemed confused, fixated on something but not quite sure what. She couldn't sleep and we kept having the same conversation over and over again. Within 2 days she had descended into full psychosis. Despite mine and our family's best attempt it took a week to get her a full diagnosis and the care she needed. She was suffering from postpartum psychosis.

Between 600 - 1200 women in England and Wales develop postpartum psychosis each year. For the vast majority, this condition will be temporary, but it can all too easily be fatal. Symptoms include:

- Confusion

- Restlessness

- Auditory and visual hallucinations

- Paranoia

- Delusional thoughts and beliefs

- Suicidal thoughts

- Catatonic states/ Mind blocks

Once my wife was taken in by the Mary Seacole House, she was safe. Through their expertise and care, they were able to bring back the person we all loved. She eventually got a place at the mother baby unit at the Barberry where her care and extraordinary recovery continued. The staff of Mary Seacole House and The Barberry didn't simply cure her illness, they quite literally brought our family back together.

Whilst my experience can't compare to hers, it certainly wasn't easy. I never expected to take on the combined roles of Mum, Dad and carer. I hope that having to continually explain to our 3 year old daughter why Mummy isn't around will remain one of the hardest tasks of my life.

It was through the expertise and deep sense of care of the staff at Mary Seacole House and The Barberry that this awful episode was put to rest.

In order to do my bit I want to raise awareness of this condition and money for the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation. If you're a Dad who has found yourself in this terrible nightmare, feel free to reach out to me. I'm not a doctor or psychologist, but hopefully by sharing my experience I can give you a little bit of something vital in this difficult time - hope.

In aid of raising money for the foundation I'll be aiming to beat my personal best time for the half marathon, 1 hour 46 minutes. A personal best I set when I was 21 (14 years ago) - so no pressure. I'll be running the Warwick, Birmingham and Oxford half marathons in 2026, with other races in between. Please donate any money you can for the amazing staff of Mary Seacole House and The Barberry - I'm deeply grateful for all that you do.