On Sunday 24th October 2021 I will be running the Liverpool half marathon to raise money for Route 81 Youth Project!

I grew up with the support from the youth project and got so many opportunities from them. Route 81 is a youth project situated in Garelochhead and provides a safe place for 11-18 year olds within the Hermitage Academy catchment area.

Over the last 18 months the youth project has had to be shut in line with the Covid-19 lockdown however it is now slowly being able to open back up following strict guidelines. As a result of this the project cannot reach as many young people as it did previously

In my early adulthood I suffered with depression. I lost my passion for everything and struggled with daily life. Thanks to the amazing support from the youth project I slowly found my feet and always knew I had someone to turn to. Knowing I had this available was a vital lifeline in my journey with depression. With the winter months slowly creepy up on us I knew I needed a physical challenge to keep the serotonin flowing as the darker nights really trigger S.A.Ds (seasonal affected disorder) which as someone who has suffered with depression can be pretty scary. Whilst I will be pushing myself mentally and physically - as if you know me I wouldn't run for a bus! - I want to raise awareness about how physical activity can improve your mental health from a first hand experience. I will be documenting it all on my instagram @getfitwithruth.

And this is where the fundraising part comes it. At the end of this month I will be starting training as a mental health champion. This opportunity has been given to me through Route 81 youth project and youth Scotland. This will give me the ability to support young people struggling with their mental health. However, the project needs funds to keep their centre running to allow adult volunteers like myself to come and work and support the young people.

Single handedly I can vow for how life saving having access to a mental health champion can be and I truly believe I wouldn’t be here without the support I received from Route 81. So if you have a spare penny please consider donating it to such a worthy cause and come along for the journey as I train to drag my ass over the 13.1 mile long race track in Liverpool.