Hi everyone, I am running my first ever Marathon and raising money for a charity close to my heart. Mind is an amazing charity, working to support anyone experiencing a mental health problem. The charity also raises awareness and understanding of mental health and the stigma associated with it . I am not a runner and have never undertaken a challenge like this until now! I started training with the aim of achieving a half marathon but as you know with me, you know I don’t like to do things by halves (pun intended), so the full 26.2 miles it is and what a challenge it will be!

My Story - I have struggled with my mental health from a young age, I was diagnosed with an eating disorder from the age of 13. With this also came depression and anxiety which I have battled with ever since. I am happy to say I am in a much better place now but like any mental illness it never fully goes away and it’s one you have to fight daily. Having the support and treatment that Mind provides to so many people is just a step towards putting an end to the stigma associated. Mental struggles can impact a persons health in the same way a physical illness. There is not enough education, understanding or treatment in this world in the battle for better mental health. Many people are very quick to judge and dismiss when someone opens up about their struggles, this is why organisations like Mind need our support so they can provide aid to those that suffer (more often than not, in silence) and help educate those that don’t understand it. There are definitely not enough organisations or charities like Mind determined to eradicate and stop the stigma of mental health. Donating to Mind would mean the absolute world to me and you would not only be doing it for me, you would be doing it for so many other’s a lot closer to home than you think. You would not only be supporting me in this challenge but you would also be allowing Mind to continue raising awareness and continue their challenge on providing support to those that reach out. Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year and most of these will suffer in silence resulting in suicide.

I’m running to take the fight for mental health out in to the open, and I’m fundraising so that Mind can be there on the other end of the phone, providing support in local communities and fighting for better mental health services nationally.

I’d be so grateful for any donation you can give to help me make a difference for mental health!

Thank you 🧡