I am in the process of running 60 marathons - firstly to mark my 60th birthday which was on 1st August 2023 and to raise money for an essential cause that supports people with mental health issues!

I took up running in 1978 at the age of 15 because I'd read that it helped alleviate depression! Although I was only very young, I had started to suffer depression as a result of my parents divorce which had a huge impact on my life - because of the trauma that went with it! To add to this, the 70s was a time when mental health was never talked about and adults would keep telling "you shouldn't get depressed at your age"!!

Although there is still a very long way to go, fortunately, things have moved on a lot more now and more people now feel they can talk openly about their own mental health struggles - whatever their age! But there is still a long way to go and there is a great need for funding which is why I wanted to raise charity funds for Manchester MIND.

Since the tender age of 15, I have suffered depression many times over the last 45 years and although I didn't always immediately turn to running to self medicate, running has always been the best medication for me!

Over my 45 years of running, I've made hundreds of good friends, many of who have fascinating stories to tell. Many who have also turned to running to help with mental health issues, recovery from addictions and general well being! Their stories inspire me so this is for them too!