Hi, my name is Jo. In January I very sadly lost a friend to mental health. She had lived with mental health for a while just like a large percentage of society does. In the last few years this developed into a form of psychosis.

You may ask ‘what is a psychosis’?

”Psychosis refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality. During an episode of psychosis, a person’s thoughts and perceptions are disrupted and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not.”

Cited from the National Institute of Mental Health website.

The symptoms of psychosis can be delusions and hallucinations which is with them most of the time. Living with this illness is relentless if help is not received.

I would like to raise awareness of this illness in order to learn and understand how we can help our friends and loved ones.

I will be doing a series of events over the next 12 months. I know it’s going to be hard and I will have to dig deep but it’s the least I can do when people are struggling every day with dark thoughts, false beliefs, seeing or hearing things that others do not such as hearing voices telling them to do something or criticising them. Struggling to sleep and hoping the pain and constant mind battles will end. This sadly can result in tragedy in order to find silence.

Sarah April Marshall 8/12/82 - 28/01/25 I hope you are now at peace with your heart, mind and soul.

All money raised from these events will be split between her two sons Spencer and Dylan to help support them in the future and navigate life without their mum.

Events booked so far:

East Yorkshire half marathon - 25th May 2025

Eight Stations Ultra - 13th July 2025

Woldsmen Games - 2nd August 2025

TC60 Games - 30th August 2025

Tails and Trails - 7th September 2025

East Coast Chuffer - 14th September 2025

Burpee Mile Challenge - date TBC

London Marathon 2026 - entered into the ballot for a place

If anyone wants to challenge me to an event, I am open to suggestions