As most of you know, this is not my first rodeo at this marathon thing, it's actually #9 but this time it's got new meaning for me, Flynn, Phil and all my friends and family and I hope you can help me support these two wonderful causes which are now so close to our hearts.

Back in 2023, after the birth of beautiful Flynn, the last place I thought I'd find myself was in the Mother and Baby Unit, but in July 2023, four and a half months into my motherhood journey it was exactly where I was, in need of help and lots of it!

With suspected postpartum psychosis after Flynn's birth, I was referred to Community Perinatal Health and for a while I coped at home with the support of the team, medication and the support of my wonderful friends and family. But I just couldn't fight the anxiety and worry on my own and it began to feel like no-one was listening and after taking an overdose I was admitted to the MBU.

I was suicidal, having intrusive thoughts and disassociating, refusing to get out of bed and absolutely adamant that I was the only person who wasn't going to get better.. but I did. And here I am, a new Mummy running version of myself and back into the marathon training! After deferring my 2021 Good for Age place to 2025 I'm going to give The London Marathon one last go and hopefully raise some money along the way..

Therefore, I would like to raise money, and awareness, for the amazing Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP- more info on them below) and the wonderful Mother and Baby Unit I was admitted to in Morpeth. I was hoping to raise money and then split it but it seems this isn't possible, because the MBU is not an official charity I will be raising for them in cash/bank transfer to Phil but for APP via this page:)

Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) is a UK charity. We’re here to make sure mums, parents and families are supported through postpartum psychosis – a severe, but treatable, form of mental illness that occurs after having a baby and affects 1400 new mums in the UK each year.

We offer information and peer support, facilitate ground breaking research, raise awareness and campaign for improved services.

Our life changing peer support network helps women and families affected by postpartum psychosis feel understood, supported and less isolated.