This October, I’ll be running two half marathons in four weeks to raise money for West Kent Mind, a charity very close to my heart. Tonbridge Half on 5th October and High Lodge Half in Norfolk on 19th October.

It’s been years since I last ran a half marathon (pre-children who are now 5 and 3), and this challenge feels like a chance to get back to something I love while also giving back.

You may or may not know that I run watercolour workshops with West Kent Mind as part of their Creative Minds program. Through the workshops, meeting their amazing team and from using their services myself, I’ve got to see first-hand the incredible value of their work.

It is SO important what they do for the local community and I want people to know they are there, so this is about awareness as well as fundraising. They create safe, supportive spaces that help people nurture their mental health through creativity, connection, and compassion. I know the impact their work makes in people’s lives, and I’d love to help them continue.

I’m trying to remind myself that I don’t have to be fast (I can be again one day) but I just have to do the thing and focusing on raising some money is a much better purpose than trying to beat my past self.

If you’re able to donate, however small, it will go directly to supporting the vital services West Kent Mind provide to our community.

Thank you so much in advance 💛

Ps. If you can’t manage to donate right now (there are so many important causes in the world) then your support is just as important, or feel free to share this with others too.