A desire to update my skills and work with a team again brought me to Arc, initially as a marketing volunteer, 5 years ago. Arc is an arts and mental health charity, with a 20+ year track record of improving mental health through creativity.

It is an amazing place with a brilliant team of staff, volunteers and artists who genuinely change lives.

Arc helps hundreds of adults and young people with mental health challenges every year, as well as nurturing the arts and health sector by providing opportunities for artists to develop. It is a welcoming place for people to visit exhibitions and also a very fine cafe!

For my big birthday this year I wanted to take on a tough challenge, so am running the Manchester Marathon on April 14th for Arc and for all the people who have struggled to walk through the door.

The last few months' running training have seen rain, sleet and even hail but also sunshine, good songs and shows on the headphones and even films on the treadmill!

Please give what you can to help Arc and spur on my tired legs. If you're spectating and happen to see me, please shout MAVIS! so I know it's someone I know rather than someone reading my number bib!

Thanks so much 😍