My nephew Matt was only 32 years old when he died having struggled with Schizophrenia for much of his adult life. To help fund more research into the causes and treatments of illnesses like Matt’s I would ask you all to give generously and hope this will also inspire me to complete the challenge of running 60km around London in his memory.

I turned 60 in January this year and decided to ‘celebrate’ with a long run so signed up for the Beyond London Ultra on 20 June which runs from Wapping (in East London) to Old Deer Park (near Kew Gardens in West London). The race itself is 55km so I’ll be doing a 5km warm up to make sure I hit 60km ( which is just about a marathon and a half!!)

I took up running just before my 50th birthday and while I have 3 marathons under my belt this will be my first, and last, ultra distance and I will need your encouragement to get me to the finish. If you didn’t get round to buying me a birthday present this is your chance 😁 , all donations large and small are gratefully received

The charity:

MHRUK are the first UK charity dedicated to funding research into the causes of and cures for mental illnesses.

* Our Mission is to fund research that gives hope and improves lives, providing a better future for everyone affected by mental health problems.

* Our Focus is to fund early career UK- based mental health research scientists, whose work will lead to the prevention, early diagnosis, or treatment of mental health problems.

* Our Vision is a world where mental health problems are better understood, better prevented and better treated.