In 2020 I was preparing to run the London marathon. And, well. We all know how that went.

I do believe it was rearranged, but I still wasn't able to run because I became ill and was diagnosed with Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA).

It became a challenge that I thought I would never complete.

The reason I wanted to do it originally was because it wasn't so much a physical test for me - but a mental one. Mental resilience has never really been my strength; I have suffered with depression and anxiety for the vast majority of my life. But now it felt like I had been let down by my body, instead.

But recently I realised that the point of tackling a marathon in the first place was to overcome the barriers set in my way. That although it will be difficult for me as someone with mental and physical barriers - that makes it all the more important to complete.

My 2020 run was to raise money for Mind. And in honour of that, I intend on still dedicating my run to the charity.

Mental health issues continue to be prevalent within our society and culture, and having personally experienced the many ways in which health services fail to support mental health, I think it is more important than ever that charities like Mind are able to function.