I will be running the London Marathon in April for the University of Bristol’s Healthy Minds programme—championing student mental health (more info below)

My running journey started during my time as a student at Bristol. It started as a way to manage my own mental health, giving me space to clear my head and find calm during stressful, worrying or difficult times, particularly in my last year of university. And running has been part of my weekly routine ever since (although no marathons)! I am a strong believer in the power of movement to support mental wellbeing, and with the growing pressures students face today, this is more important than ever. By fundraising for Healthy Minds, I’m hoping more students can discover the same strength, resilience and calm that running (and exercise more generally) has given me. The London Marathon has been a bucket list dream for years, and I’m so excited to be doing it for such an amazing cause.

If you can, please donate—every pound helps Bristol students access mental health support through exercise and stay well.

What is Healthy Minds?

Physical activity is linked to positive mental wellbeing and can help people combat mental health issues. Bristol launched Healthy Minds in 2016 with this knowledge at the heart of it. The scheme provides students with a 12-week programme of free support, including unlimited access to university exercise facilities and activities and a dedicated exercise mentor who works with them 1:1 throughout.

Healthy Minds has supported over 700 students to date, and in 100% of cases is responsible for an improvement in perceived wellbeing.

Find out more about Healthy Minds: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/sport/health-wellbeing/healthy-minds/.