On 27th April 2025, I have the honour of running the TCS London Marathon for Team Mind.

Last November, my cousin, Josh, died by suicide after a long and courageous battle with his mental health. Only aged 22, the smiley, cheeky and talented boy whom so many knew and loved was no longer with us.

1 in 4 people experience some kind of mental health problem every year. In 2023, according to the ONS, 5,579 suicides were registered in England. The same provisional data shows that almost 75% of suicides in the last quarter of 2023 were men.

These statistics show the need for change. In a country where both adult and children’s mental health services are underfunded and oversubscribed, Mind plays an even more important role in supporting those who are struggling and I cannot imagine anyone better to pledge my support to.

Mind provides invaluable services such as informative resources, an online peer community, advocacy - this list goes on. In 2022-23, they responded to 130,973 queries to their support and information helplines and their mental health information resources were accessed more than 23.3 million times.

For anyone who knows me, you’ll know that this will be no easy feat (5km is usually my maximum…), but knowing I’ll be both running alongside fabulously kind-hearted people and running for Josh will push me across the finish line.

I know that times are tough for everyone at the moment, so any donation - no matter how big or small - will be greatly appreciated. Hopefully with the money that we raise together, more people will know about Mind. And more people will feel comfortable enough to reach out for the help they truly deserve.

Losing my little cousin has shaken our family to its core. So this one’s for you, Josh. Whilst he might no longer be with us, he’s making a difference and leaving his legacy.

Much love,

Maddy x