In April, I'll be running the Paris Marathon for YoungMinds- a charity championing and advocating for young people's mental health. They provide resources, strategies and techniques to help young people in need, and campaign for legislation change and increased access to services. In any classroom, 1 in 4 children will have a mental health problem. Ultimately, that's unacceptable; I have seen the impact long waiting times, stretched services, and a lack of prioritisation has had on good friends and peers growing up. It's widely recognised that running a marathon is hard, however some of my friends have had to be far more resilient whilst waiting for support during some of the lowest points in their life. I'll be thinking of them whilst running. On a personal note, I have benefitted from YoungMinds resources whilst struggling with low self esteem at school, and they absolutely made a positive difference.

Those who know me know how much running has benefitted my life- I'm a much happier, more confident person as a consequence of taking it up, and I would say it's the single biggest positive contributor to my mental health. It's my place to clear my head, release some energy & enjoy the buzz I get at the end; I haven't found anything quite like running that makes me feel the same way! Running's become a massive part of my social life too- I've met some of my best friends through the sport, and have shared some great times with them.

My goal here is twofold- to raise as much as I can for YoungMinds, and to advocate for the positive impact running, or any movement, can have on one's mental health. If I can inspire anyone to get outside for a walk or run, regardless of speed or distance, and they feel better at the end than when they started, then that's my job done. If you have any spare change and would like to donate to a fantastic charity, then it would massively be appreciated!

Liv :)