In December 2022, our beautiful son, Rupert, was born by Emergency C section due to his falling heart rate and a placental abruption. It was a traumatic birth and nothing like we would have imagined.

We knew baby blues were a thing but the health visitor screened Katie for Postnatal depression and anxiety and the incredible perinatal mental health team at LPFT quickly became involved to support her.

Meanwhile, I found it incredibly difficult adjusting to our new lives as parents. Taking on a new role that comes with no manual, having to completely shift who you are whilst simultaneously juggling work/life stresses was incredibly challenging for my mental health.

Thankfully PANDAS were one of the charities that really helped us get the support we both needed. They provide hope, empathy and support for every network affected by perinatal mental illness.

My wife now regularly volunteers for them as a peer supporter on their Whatsapp service. She provides hope that recovery from perinatal mental illness is possible with the right support.

Now that Rupert has turned two and my mental health has improved, I thought I'd challenge myself once again by undertaking this 50 mile adventure. The training will be different this time as I balance being a Dad, husband, teacher and runner. I too want to show that recovery from perinatal illness is possible.

PANDAS are only a small charity so any donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference.