Despite being someone who actively avoids anything that vaguely resembles a sports day, I'm doing this year's Great North Run.

I'm running for Rethink Mental Illness, who support thousands of people every year to overcome crises and feel that they do not have to face mental illness alone. Rethink Mental Illness do this through campaigning for the equality, fair treatment, and rights of those severely affected by various forms of mental illness - either through direct experience or as a loved one - and by providing a range of services to those who need them most.

1 in 4 people will experience a mental illness at some point in their lifetime, and despite it being possible to recover with the right treatment and support, Rethink's own research shows that of those who have experienced mental health issues:

• Over a quarter were not referred by their GP to an appropriate service.

• 1 in 10 had to wait six months or more for an assessment of their needs, with no support in the meantime.

• Over half felt that they did not receive support for a sufficient and appropriate length of time.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Everyone should have access to high quality mental health care when they need it. Services will improve if we form a collective voice, challenge negative attitudes and campaign for better care and support. Let's make sure that when people shout for help, we hear them. First time.

Every donation counts towards my goal. Thank you for your support.