In January 2021, I and many others lost a very special friend, Lewis, just 10 days before his 22nd birthday. Dealing with unexpected loss comes with significant guilt, grief, and shock. However, these emotions are not nearly as comprehendible as the challenges mental health sufferers face on a day-to-day basis. The stigma surrounding mental health is the predominant factor as to why so many suffer in silence, a silence I want to help fill. 

Mental health is a pandemic in itself, the silent killer and a catalyst for comorbid substance abuse and psychological harm. Every year one in four of us will experience a mental health problem. I have seen second-hand the impact of mental health and the lack of support, transparency and resources that enable those suffering to reach out. Therefore, I will be showing my support on 2nd October and running for Mind Mental Health Charity in the 2022 London Marathon. 

In 1971, Mind Campaign was first introduced by the National Association for Mental Health aimed to address the ignorance that surrounded mental health problems and to improve services, since then Mind Charity has become the driver for securing mental health resources, from legislation amendments to providing urgent support to those in need.  

I am raising money to support Mind’s incredible work that gives a voice to millions of people who live with mental health problems and to show my solidarity that they are not alone. Considering the unprecedented year we have had, I ask if you could donate as little or as much as you’d like to support this cause and sponsor my participation in the 2022 London Marathon, every donation helps. Thank you in advance for your contribution, I cannot express what your support means to me, and others directly affected.

Thank you

Alice x