I am running the London Marathon 2026 for Team Mind because Mental Health matters.

At 17 I spent around 7 months between two different hospitals. This was an incredibly hard time for myself and family alike, and has played a huge part in who I am today.

Since then, mental health has become something I care very deeply about, for myself and also those around me.

Mental health and illness has become less stigmatised over the years, however there is still an extremely long way to go. Even writing this I feel as though I should not be openly admitting that I was hospitalised, however without honesty real change cannot be made.

That is why I have decided to run the London Marathon for Team Mind.

Mind are an incredible organisation who work tirelessly to break the stigma around mental health, and also to provide support to those who really need it.

Mind provide:

-Free and confidential support and advice via phone and online

-Work in schools and work places encouraging staying mentally healthy day to day

-Local services across England and Wales including talking therapies, peer support, and crisis care

Millions turn to Mind each year, with demand on the service ever growing. The presence of Mind and other charities alike is every important alongside the continuous NHS demand for mental health services.

I began running in December 2024, after moving to a new place and needing to find a hobby that supported my mental and physical health. Since then I have completed the couch to 5k, 10k and I am preparing for a half marathon in August.

Running is something that keeps my mental health happy, and gives me something to enjoy after a stressful day

Running the London Marathon will be the biggest physical and mental challenge I have ever taken on, but it is also a celebration of how far I have come. I am fortunate and thankful to have the best support system, and to have achieved everything I could have wanted and more.

Also, this is my way of giving something back following the help that I received.

I am aiming to raise £2500 for Mind.

Any donations made will go directly to Mind (just giving is their advised platform) and help someone get the support they need, when they need it.

Poppy 💐