My name is Mark Watson and I am attempting to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise money for Carlisle Mencap for children and adults with learning disabilities and or autism.

However, I hate running. I hate it with a passion, but I can do it and it is amazing medication for my mental health.

As a military veteran, I have struggled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for 30 years and was diagnosed in 1989. Fortunately, I received the help I needed from two specialist military charities in 2015. After years of depression and other issues that come with PTSD, I found I was finally able to control my demons and achieve a very happy and fulfilling life.

I was so inspired by the work that the charities did for myself and others that I wanted to give something back, to help others receive the help and support that I did.

So why run when I hate it so much? Well it is amazing medication for my mental health. However, I can't just get up and go for a run, I need motivation to do this so I set myself extreme challenges and the thought that I can raise funds to help others is more motivation than I need.

I began with the Windermere marathon in 2016. 18 months later I ran the Marathon Des Sables, the toughest foot raise on earth. 250km across the Sahara Dessert and completely self sufficient.

I thought how can I push myself further than this? Maybe a marathon per week will do it and so here I am. My first marathon is in May 2020 and I will finish with the Windermere marathon in 2021.

Please help me support this amazing charity and the fantastic work that they do and give whatever you can. The children, adults and their families need this organisation and every penny you give will go exactly where it is needed.

Thank you for reading my page and supporting me. Please would you be so kind to share this link as far and wide as possible. You can also support me with messages of support on my FB page and follow my progress on my blog.