Dear Friends and Family,

On Sunday, October 13th 2024, I will be lacing up my running shoes to participate in a half marathon through the heart of the world-famous University City of Oxford. I am running in support of Oxfordshire Mind, a charity that provides essential mental health services and support to those in need.

This cause is deeply personal to me. In 2024, I lost one of my favourite people in the world to bipolar disorder. This devastating loss opened my eyes to the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, preventing many individuals from receiving the care they desperately need. I believe that by raising awareness and funds, we can help break down these barriers and ensure that mental health support is accessible to everyone.

The World Health Organization reports that "in 2019, 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people globally, were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, leading to a significant increase in the number of people struggling with anxiety and depression".

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to support mental health initiatives which make a tangible difference in the lives of those battling mental illness.

I have set a fundraising goal of £ 250 and I need your help to reach it. Your donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards helping Oxfordshire Mind continue their vital work. Together, we can make a difference and honour the memory of those we have lost by supporting those who are still fighting.

Your support means the world to me and to all those who will benefit from your generosity.

Thank you for standing with me in this important cause.

With gratitude,

Rebecca