'Mind' is a mental health charity that provides crucial support for people living with mental illness and campaigns for better services, respect, and understanding.

Mental health difficulties affect so many of us - whether directly or through family, friends, or colleagues. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and psychosis can drastically impact quality of life. Yet despite how common they are, getting the right help can often take months or even years, especially once people turn 18 and services become harder to access.

Take anxiety, for example - it can stop people from reaching their potential, causing them to withdraw from opportunities and avoid everyday challenges. Depression, too, can be devastating: it doesn’t just mean “feeling sad,” but can strip away energy, motivation, sleep, and hope, making even the smallest tasks feel impossible.

This is why I’m proud to support Mind - because they work to ensure that no one has to face these struggles alone.

I’ve been running for about two and a half years, but only consistently since the start of 2025. Running was something I once avoided because of anxiety - the thought of people seeing me out in public, especially as a beginner, felt overwhelming. Now, running brings me happiness, confidence, and a stronger mindset.

So far, my longest distance has been a half-marathon, and now I’m taking on my biggest challenge yet: the Manchester Marathon 2026. It won’t be easy - my knees are prone to injury, and training through the winter will be tough - but I want to test myself both physically and mentally.

Running a marathon takes huge resilience, and I hope that by pushing myself to this milestone, I can not only build my own mental strength but also raise money to help others who are facing their own battles.

Any donation, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated. Together we can support Mind in making sure everyone gets the help and understanding they deserve.

Thank you so much ❤️