I'm joining the fight for mental health with Mind in Furness to help raise awareness and funds to keep vital mental health services open in our community.

Sadly, mental health statistics for the Furness area in Cumbria show that the rate of self harm and suicide in young adults AND adults are “significantly higher” than the national average. As someone who has had my fair share of mental health problems, and supported others through difficult times in their lives, it’s resources like Mind that provide vital support for people struggling to access the care they need from an overwhelmed NHS.

Mental Elf is a 5k festive fun run which takes place on Sunday 14th December in aid of Mind in Furness. With an emphasis on fun, Mental Elf is all about coming together as a local community, doing something that’s good for you, whilst giving something back.

To make it a bit more fun I’ve decided to put costume milestones into my fundraising:

£50 - I’ll dig out and dust off my elf hat

£100 - I’ll swap out my usual running leggings for stripy tights

£150 - I’ll put some (temporary) green highlights through my hair (let’s hope it washes out by Christmas)

£200+ - I’ll run in a full elf costume (bells, plastic ears, rosy cheeks and all)

I’ll be putting my money where my mouth is and donating the first £10 to this cause, please consider donating and keep our mental health support resources open and accessible for the people who desperately need them!

Thank you x