On Sunday 7th December 2025, I’m taking part in the Mental Elf 5k Fun Run at Trentham Gardens to raise money for North Staffs Mind, our local mental health charity.

As some of you may know, mental health has been a huge part of my life, I was diagnosed with mental health issues when I was a young child and is something that I still at times battle with today. Mental health affects all of us, whether it be from experiencing it on a personal level, or having friends and family affected by it-it impacts us all in different ways. I’ll be braving the (likely) cold weather to run/walk this and despite it only being 5k, it’ll bring its own challenges-especially with me having Cerebral Palsy and this bringing its own hurdles with running😅. I’m participating to raise awareness for mental health but also to honour those most affected by it.

Mental health affects us all, and North Staffs Mind supports over 12,000 people every year – from children and young people to adults in need. Their work includes 1:1 support, housing help, school outreach, and services like The Maccas Project. With this being said, I think they’re pretty worth of braving the cold for in an elf costume and attempting at running as much of it as I possibly can🎄

I’m hoping to raise at least £150 – just £5 can help pay for their phoneline, £20 can fund a counselling consultation session, £50 can help the continuation of a support group that's free for people to access. Every donation makes a real impact. I’d be massively grateful share some love, especially around Christmas to a cause that massively deserves it-so any spare change is appreciated and welcomed with big open arms.

Cheers, I’ll see you out there (yes I will be dressed as an elf don’t worry).

Love always,

Em