If you find yourself reading this then you probably know me pretty well and will know 2019 was one hell of a stinker. That stink was of the mental health variety so I've decided to do what I can to help a great cause and support anyone else who has found themselves in a similar nightmare. 

The biggest thing that happened to me and my family is not my story to tell, but of someone who is incredibly special. What they struggled with, and we went through as family was one of the hardest things we have ever had to face. And we know it’s not the end. It’s a constant battle and we are lucky to have each other and the security to help support each other through such a difficult time. But others are not so fortunate, and I can't imagine doing it on my own and being without that love and support network.

Mind is a charity that provides that support and raises the awareness that is so needed in the current mental health sh*t storm we find ourselves in.

Mental health is complex and there are so many different conditions that come under the painful umbrella. It's depression and anxiety, it's mania and psychosis, bipolar, PTSD, personality disorders, suicide and more. When you open up the discussion and talk about it you will find every single person is affected by it whether directly or indirectly. It's massive and charities like Mind are crucial in helping all those suffering. 

On the 15th March I will begin my 2020 marathon with the Hampton Court Palace Half then (with a minor 2 month hiatus) I shall complete my marathon on the 17th May at the Hackney Half. Yes in the Kate Allan rule book that does allow me to tick 'Marathon' off the bucket list. It's close enough!

My older brother dragged me around a 10k last year and I hated it. I've been training for a couple of months now and I still hate it. I don't know about this bug people say you catch, my running immune system is clearly working well to 'protect' me from it. But it's all a test of mental strength and running for such a worthwhile cause is helping me to pull up my double layer socks and hit the pavement. Your support and donations I know will help me go that extra mile!! So please, however small or giantly generous you would like to be, put some pennies in the Mind bank for meeee!

From the charity:

On 17 May 2020, I will be running the Hackney Half Marathon for local mental health charity, Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest. In any given year, mental health problems will affect one in four people in the UK, responsible for the largest burden of disease in the country affecting 28% of the population. Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest offer a range of support and services to members of the community who are struggling daily with their mental health. Just £25 could pay for a low-income client with serious enduring mental health issues to attend a Managing Anger and Difficult Emotions group.Grateful for any donations