This year, I’m taking on not one, but two half marathons, the Paris Half Marathon on 8th March and the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 12th April - just five weeks apart! It’s a huge personal challenge, but one I’m determined to complete for a cause that is incredibly close to my heart: PANDAS Foundation UK.

PANDAS supports families facing prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal mental health challenges. Their mission is simple but life-changing: to make sure no parent, family member, or carer ever feels alone. For over a decade, they’ve provided free services, support, and community to families affected by perinatal mental illness.

During lockdown, I completed Couch to 5k, and ever since running has become a passion and a way to look after my own mental health. Now, I’m excited to put that passion to work for a cause that truly matters to me, all while running through two of my favourite cities in the world: Paris and London!

Perinatal mental health conditions affect as many as 1 in 4 women during pregnancy or in the first two years after giving birth. Too often, these conditions are overlooked, misdiagnosed, or stigmatised, and support for those affected is underfunded. By donating, you’ll be helping PANDAS provide vital services like their phone call service and WhatsApp support, face-to-face help, online resources, and workplace awareness programs for parents returning to work.

I know life is expensive, so I completely understand if you can’t donate, but even sharing this page or learning more about the cause helps make a difference. Every single bit of support goes a long way in helping families who might not have anyone else to turn to.

If you’d like to support my runs, or learn more please visit PANDAS Foundation UK or reach out to me directly.

Thank you so much for supporting this cause and cheering me on.

Laura x