Trigger warning: Miscarriage & Suicidal Ideation

I have struggled with anxiety for many years and put unnecessary pressure on myself in my personal and professional, leading to exhaustion and burnout. This has always been "normal" for me and I never thought I could change. In 2016 I experienced a burnout and a mental breakdown, but after a month off work, I resumed "usual service" and didn't really make any changes.

And then I became a Mum ❤️

In 2018, I gave birth to our wonderful son, Nathan, and whilst the adjustment to becoming a Mum was challenging, I was still holding things together.

In 2019, I went back to work and learnt to navigate working motherhood alongside a new career in Primary Care whiles studying. It was challenging as I expected but again I was keeping my head above water.

And then...in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, I attended the hospital, alone, and was told, I'd had an early miscarriage. Later that year, after several more months of trying to conceive, I passed a large amount of tissue which I suspect was our baby and started to grieve all over again.

Things got better...in 2021, I became pregnant, and gave birth to our gorgeous girl Lauren. Our family was complete! I had everything I had ever dreamt of.

But then in 2022, I slipped into the depths of postnatal depression, the lowest I have ever felt. I didn't believe I deserved happiness and all the wonderful people in my life and they would be better off without me. I couldn't see past the darkness into my future and I've never been more scared.

And that's when I learned about The Parenting Project and requested counselling and I can quite honestly say it changed my life. Not only did it help me get through one of the most emotionally difficult parts of my life, I was also able to work through historic and underlying mental health challenges that I had ignore for years.

Without this charity, I would not have accessed the counselling and support I needed to be where I am today. I am stronger, physically and mentally than I've ever been and could not be more grateful!

The Parenting Project is a dedicated and dynamic UK registered charity established to empower families.

They rely on grants and donations to provide much needed mental health and wellbeing support services to individuals and families. Each and every pound makes a difference and helps to reach and support more people.

And so, here's to my 2026 challenges to help this incredible charity continue to their amazing work and help more parents and families... 🧡

2nd May 2026 - MK Rocket 5K (targeting a PB🤞)🏃‍♀️

2nd August 2026 - Swim Rutland 4KM 🏊🏼‍♀️🏞️

13th September 2026 - Daventry Triathlon 🏊🏼‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️

If you are able to sponsor me to raise money for this incredible charity, I know it will make the biggest difference to someone's life, like it did for me!