Important Update – Moving Fundraiser to Enthuse

Hi everyone,

Firstly, thank you so much for your generosity in supporting my London 10k run for OCD-UK.

I’ve recently discovered that OCD-UK works directly with the fundraising platform Enthuse, which sends donations straight to the charity without passing through me. To ensure every penny reaches them as quickly and securely as possible, I’m moving my fundraising to Enthuse.

New Fundraising Page: https://2025vitalitylondon10000.enthuse.com/pf/ryan-ellis

Here’s how I’ll handle the transfer to keep everything transparent:

If you’ve already donated here, there’s nothing you need to do — your donation will still go to OCD-UK. This change just ensures the funds go directly to them, and makes it easier for me to keep all donations in one place.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support — you’re helping make a real difference for people living with OCD.

Kind regards,

Ryan Ellis

Hi, I'm Ryan,

I'm running the London 10K to raise awareness for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and to challenge the stigma that still surrounds it. This run isn’t just about crossing a finish line — it’s about opening up an honest conversation, shedding light on the complexities of OCD, and representing those who live with it every single day.

I have a personal connection to this cause: I live with OCD myself. Although I’ve not been formally diagnosed, I’ve struggled with it for many years. I’m currently in therapy, taking steps to better understand and manage my OCD. It affects different areas of my life, especially in relationships, where the impact of OCD can often go unseen and misunderstood. Living with OCD is exhausting — it's not just about cleanliness or order, but about managing intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and the ripple effects it creates in day-to-day life.

Unfortunately, the stigma around OCD is still strong. Many people think OCD is just about being neat or liking things a certain way. In reality, OCD often involves persistent and unwanted intrusive thoughts that can feel impossible to control. These thoughts are distressing, go against a person’s values, and can create a constant cycle of fear and doubt. For many people, including myself, OCD can focus heavily on relationships — bringing up obsessive worries about cheating, doubts about feelings, or fixations on a partner’s past. These aren’t typical relationship concerns — they’re repetitive, anxiety-driven thoughts that can cause deep emotional pain and confusion.

At its worst, OCD has pushed me to very dark places. There have been times when I’ve felt so overwhelmed, so mentally exhausted, that I’ve had thoughts of suicide — moments where I genuinely believed it might be easier if I wasn’t here. That’s the reality for many people with OCD, and it’s part of why I feel so strongly about speaking up. People need to understand that this condition is not quirky or harmless — it can be completely consuming.

Because of the stigma, many people feel too embarrassed or scared to speak up — and I’ve felt that too. I’ve only shared my experience with a very small number of people. Being this open about it is a huge mental step for me. It’s hard not knowing how people I know personally might view me differently after opening up about this, but i'm completely okay with that. If my story can help even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it.

It’s also important to understand how OCD affects not only the person struggling, but their partner too. Living with someone who has OCD can be incredibly challenging — partners may not understand what’s happening, feel hurt by the compulsions, or struggle with the emotional toll of reassurance-seeking and constant uncertainty. OCD can put real strain on even the strongest relationships.

One of the ways I’ve been trying to help myself manage my OCD is by running. I’ve only recently started, and it’s already made a difference — giving me a healthier outlet, a sense of progress, and something to focus on. That’s why taking part in this run for OCD UK feels so symbolic. Running has become more than just exercise — it's now a part of my recovery and something I want to continue doing to represent others with OCD. This will be the first of many runs I take on to support OCD UK, and I plan to keep improving, keep showing up, and keep raising awareness.

My initial fundraising goal is £175, which covers the cost of my place in the run. Anything raised beyond that goes directly to OCD UK, a charity that works tirelessly to support individuals affected by OCD.

If you’re able to donate, I can’t tell you how much it would mean — not just for me personally, but for the thousands of others navigating life with OCD. Your support is a sign that the stigma can be broken, and that change is possible.

Let’s get the conversation started. Let’s run for awareness.

The run takes place on Sunday 28th September 2025

Thank you so much.

-Ryan