5 Decades, 5 Cities, 5 Half Marathons, £500 target per race.

To celebrate this significant birthday, I have decided to embark on an ambitious challenge: running five half marathons, one for every decade, to raise funds for a cause that is incredibly close to my heart—young people's mental health.

Why Mental Health?

Life for me as a teenager changed forever overnight, when my mum died suddenly. Whilst I was fortunate to have a strong support network around me, I know that not all young people have this. To give something back and to motivate me when I really don’t want to run, I would like to raise £500 per race for the fabulous Open Door Charity.

Being a mum of two, I know first hand the challenges young people face today. Mental health issues among young people have reached alarming levels. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are becoming increasingly common, affecting their education, relationships, and overall well-being. Early intervention and support can make a world of difference, helping young people navigate these challenges and build a brighter future.

Where the Money Goes

Open Door Charity is an amazing, local organisation who have reimagined mental health support for young people. They offer unique, evidence-based programmes in a non-clinical setting. Access to support from the amazing team there is free and unlike statutory services, there are no waiting lists.

Your donation to this page makes this possible.

The Challenge

I will be doing five half marathons in 5 different cities across Europe. Each race represents not just a physical test, but a symbol of the journey that many young people take as they strive for mental well-being. My goal is to raise £500 for each race, culminating in a total of £2,500.

For many people this would be easy, arguably enjoyable, but I have been trying to get into running for some time and am yet to discover any love for it! I know the health benefits that running brings to not only my physical health, but also my mental health - I would be lost without my Saturday morning run, when my wonderful friend and I put the world to rights!

Before asking for your money I wanted to be sure I could deliver on this commitment. So I signed up for my first ever half marathon. In April I joined 15,000 other people in 27 degree heat to complete the 21.09km route. Psychologically, never mind physically, this was massive for me. I was terrified, but completed it within the 3 hour time limit!

How You Can Help

Your support is crucial in reaching this goal. Here are some ways you can contribute:

• Donate: Any amount, big or small, will make a significant impact. You can donate directly through this page

• Share: Spread the word about this on social media, with friends, family, and colleagues.

• Join Me: If you’re inspired, consider joining me for one of the races or even a training run. Your company would be greatly appreciated!

• Encourage: Send messages of support, cheer me on during the races, and keep me motivated throughout the year.

Keeping You Updated

I will be sharing my training progress, race experiences, and fundraising milestones on social media. I want you to be part of this journey every step of the way. Follow along and see the difference your support is making.

Thank You

Turning 50 is a significant milestone, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to use this moment to support such an important cause. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young people, offering them the hope and help they need to thrive in the future.

Thank you for your generosity, encouragement, and support.