So. . . . I am going to be running the London Marathon in April 2019 and I am literally giddy with excitement!!!

I will be running the marathon to help grow the support offered by the University of Bristol's Healthy Minds programme.

I have always been an active sports women playing netball on a regular basis and running taking part in a number of 10k and half marathons. I have never ran a marathon and this will be the biggest challenge I have ever undertaken. 

Sport has played a massive part in my life and has provided me with the tools and mind-set to deal with challenges that life brings. As a mum of three to Tom, Scarlett and Amber, those first few weeks and months after giving birth I experienced a lose of identity. You become "Mummy" (which is the BEST role can you ever have) but losing your other identities can feel very lonely. You go from being a friend, a colleague, a wife, a netball team member to having your life dominated by your amazing new arrival. Returning to netball training and lacing up my running trainers again not only helped me to deal with the challenges of being a new mum, but provided a physical outlet and much needed headspace to deal with the everyday challenges that followed. 

Physical activity has been proven to boost mood and reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. This idea is at the heart of the Healthy Minds programme, which helps University of Bristol students with mental health difficulties to get more active and maintain this behaviour in a supported, friendly environment. The three-month user-led programme includes sessions with an activity mentor, a tailored activity plan and support for future health maintenance, as well as access to a range of classes, clubs and sporting opportunities.The core programme, delivered by the Division of Sport, Exercise and Health at the University of Bristol, has yielded clinically significant improvements in wellbeing among participants. It has positively impacted more than one hundred students over the past two years, and with the help of donations from generous supporters, it will be able to grow and help greater numbers of people. Can you help by making a donation today?

I started my role at the University of Bristol in April this year and can't wait to support this amazing programme with my fundraising activity. I am determined to cross the finish line on 28th April and knowing I have the support of my family, friends and colleagues will add to that determination.  London Marathon 2019 . . . . I am coming to get you!!!!!