I'm running my first ever half-marathon, about forty years later than planned. I conveniently forgot my ambition until now, as old age beckons. But, if I can run a half marathon, surely I must still be as young as I feel?

Off the track, I'm a well-being author, speaker and coach. The more I read, the more I learn, the more I believe that one of the most wonderful and important things on this planet, is the mother - baby bond. Research now proves that this primary relationship sets up a baby's physical and mental well-being for life. So I am shocked to learn that mothers needing treatment are still being separated from their babies, due to a lack of specialist Mother and Baby Units. I want to help create more Mother and Baby Units so that families can stay together.

I have seen, that the most precious thing in the world to a baby, is its mum, but I have also seen that new mothers are under-valued, under-supported and often very isolated. Over the period that I had my children, I saw support for new mothers decline instead of increase and I know of too many cases where mothers have been judged instead of valued and supported.

I had never heard of Postpartum Psychosis until a friend shared their family's moving story, which thankfully had a happy ending. From the donation stories on this platform, I am upset to learn that some stories don't.

So, I am dedicating my first ever half-marathon to new mums and APP as my charity. I want to show solidarity to all new mums and their families, and to help bring support to the new mums who most need it.

I am very grateful for your donation.

ABOUT THE CHARITY:

Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) is a UK charity. We’re here to make sure mums, parents and families are supported through postpartum psychosis – a severe, but treatable, form of mental illness that occurs after having a baby and affects 1400 new mums in the UK each year.

We offer information and peer support, facilitate groundbreaking research, raise awareness and campaign for improved services.

Our life-changing peer support network helps women and families affected by postpartum psychosis feel understood, supported and less isolated.

SYMPTOMS https://www.app-network.org

Although episodes of PP are among the most severe illnesses seen in clinical practice, PP also has one of the best prognoses.

Acute symptoms are similar to that of bipolar disorder and may include:

- extreme elation or euphoria,

- rapid mood changes, or depressed mood,

- the rapid onset of unusual beliefs,

- visual and auditory hallucinations, and

- extreme confusion.

Behaviour can be very bizarre. Episodes can be very frightening for women and their families.

The causes of PP are unknown, but the dramatic hormonal and biological changes that occur at childbirth are thought to be involved. There is some evidence of a genetic component to the illness and of a link with bipolar disorder. One in 4 women with a history of bipolar disorder experience PP following childbirth.

The majority of women are substantially recovered within a few months, but full recovery and coming to terms with the illness may take some time longer.

Recovery is a difficult and lengthy process. Factors that contribute to these difficulties include:

- limited availability of information about PP and recovery,

- isolation caused by lack of visible others who have experienced the illness,

- poor awareness in the general public and media,

- the stigma and shame associated with experiencing mental illness, particularly at this time when women have high hopes of new motherhood,

- difficulties coming to terms with the experience of a mental illness and behaviours during the illness,

- low levels of specialist psychological and practical support following hospital admission with managing recovery, looking after a baby, rebuilding relationships, trust and mothering confidence.