On April 22nd I will be running 27 miles of off road, rugged and relentlessly hilly Pembrokeshire coast line. https://www.endurancelife.com/pembrokeshire.

Im no stranger to running but this year, after loosing mum so suddenly, I won't lie - it's been tough! I usually rely on running to keep me happy and balanced but the training for this one has at times felt lonely and brutal and I feel like almost all of my miles have been done in the rain and wind! I'm sure they haven't been! 

Before starting my role as CEO at TOP UK I felt like I had a relatively good academic understanding of what life is like with OCD or a Phobia. But, having spoken in depth with those who have used our service, I quickly realised that the fall out of these conditions is far more intense, overwhelming and life-limiting than I (and many of the public) realise. So much more work is needed to communicate effectively what life is really like with OCD or a phobia.

Fear and anxiety are incredibly unpleasant emotions, to put it mildly, and to feel those emotions on a large scale on a regular basis is incredibly traumatic. OCD and phobias can be debilitating, chronic and overwhelming conditions that are associated with intense negative emotions and intrusive thoughts. Many of our service users describe feeling paralysed by their conditions which completely halt their ability to live full and happy lives. Many can't work or do not have happy, healthy relationships prior to coming to TOP UK and some report not being able to travel or even leave the house. Others describe feeling suicidal, It is my belief that everyone deserve the right to live a full and happy life free from intense fear and anxiety.

The good news is that both conditions are very treatable and the service TOP UK provides can give people back the lives they deserve. 

I know times are tough for many financially at the moment but if you can spare a penny or two to help me through my 27 miles of hilly terrain it would mean the world to me! 

Thanks in advance.

H xx