In 2024, my partner Hanna decided to go back into higher education. That December, her mother unexpectedly passed away. She suddenly found herself far from all her friends, family and support; without even a GP, accessing mental health support became nigh-on impossible.

Dose of Nature (DoN) helped her at a time when nothing else could. They provide people with structured, guided time in natural spaces to support their mental health. Its simple, practical and proven to work. After an assessment with a DoN psychologist Hanna was referred to a ten-week program where she got to meet 1-to-1 with a mental health professional in a natural space once a week. The whole process was simple and quick, where trying to access support through the NHS had left her stuck in long waiting lists, filling endless forms and talking to "specialists" that could not or would not help.

DoN made such a difference to her life that she has been fundraising with them for the past year, and not too long ago I decided to help her out. If you choose to donate to my 10k, you'll be helping someone else find the same sense of relief she did - maybe at a time in which they need it most. I don't like running - but I absolutely hate how hard it is to get mental health support.

And as a bonus, if we reach our target of £250, I will commit to running a half marathon before the end of the year, so you get to make me suffer on top of helping a good cause!

FAQs:

Q: When and where are you running?

A: "Not the London Marathon", on the 26th of April in Winchester.

Q: Where can I learn more about DoN?

A: You can check out this recent article from the Guardian about DoN:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/13/it-has-changed-my-life-how-a-dose-of-nature-is-treating-mental-illness

Or go to their website:

https://www.doseofnature.org.uk/