In 2025 and 1 week prior to my 40th birthday, I have made the decision to put myself through the gruelling process of running the Edinburgh Marathon, with the aim of raising funds for a mental health charity that is very close to my heart - Penumbra. May 2025 will represent the 9-year anniversary of my previous escapade in which I put my body through hell in order to raise monies for services who support those who are experiencing poor mental health, so I thought “what better way to celebrate my 40th birthday, by doing it all again!”

For all of those who may know me, the promotion and treatment of mental health issues are topics that I have devoted a substantial proportion of my life supporting, and it will be of no surprise that on this occasion my current venture is with the aim of raising awareness of mental health issues, and challenging the stigma that is unfortunately still often associated with these conditions. These aim's mirror those of my previous attempt at running the Edinburgh Marathon, 9 years prior, which coincided with my own recovery following a period of poor mental health. Much has changed over the proceeding 9 years, and I have not only managed to maintain positive mental health and a sense of wellbeing, but have found love, became a father, and have completed several postgraduate degrees - all of which seemed implausible during those darker periods.

Turning 40-years old represents a period of transition, and reflection. Therefore, my current endeavour is with the aim of reconnecting with this period of my life, reflecting on my own recovery journey, and the journey of others with whom I have supported over the years.

Therefore, I thought it fitting to raise monies for penumbra through my current venture. This is a charity in which I spent 6 years of my career working as part of varying services and in a number of different capacities’. During this time, I had the privilege of working alongside some truly inspirational and wonderful people (both staff, and service users), with the aim of promoting recovery, and enabled me to develop a greater insight into the lived experience of those who experience mental health difficulties in the society in which we live. The experience I gained through my work with penumbra continues to influence my clinical practice to date, and I continue to reflect on the relationships I formed with great fondness.

This endeavour is for you all!