There are many reasons why I support Mind. Both because of my own personal journey and losing treasured friends.

The first person I am running for is my university flatmate, Alex Elsmore, who passed away in April 2018. He was a unique and gentle character and we bonded over our interests in music - especially David Bowie! I lived with him for two years and he had to put up with me in all sorts of moods, just like my other flatmates did! We had a close bond as a block and I know many of us were affected by his passing.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/may/03/bristol-university-student-alex-elsmore-dies-suddenly

Secondly, my close friend Ruby. Ruby and I only knew each other for a couple of years but in that time she had a huge impact on my life and it seemed like we'd known each other for ages. She was a brilliant character and liked a party, much like myself! We went to pride events together, such as London and Manchester, and this was truly where her heart was. When I suffered from poor mental health last year, her reassuring and comforting words helped me through the darkest times. We shared jokes about the medication we were both on and handy coping mechanisms to help us through. I was distraught I wasn't able to pull her out of the darkness, as she did for me.

Nonetheless, I think of Ruby and Alex daily. Their deaths changed my outlook on life. They're often in my thoughts.

Finally, as I touched on, I myself have struggled with my mental health - like many of us. It had built up for several years, trying to run away from difficult things: my mum's death when I was 20 and the five years of hardship leading up to that; friendship losses; other bereavements and the pressure I had put on myself to succeed despite the setbacks. I was not able to work for five weeks and I found this very hard! Diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, I lost more than a stone and a half in weight (when I didn't have much to lose in the first place!) and struggled to get out of bed. I thank my few very close friends (Emily, Simon, Jamie, Lydia, Eleanor, Carrie, Marcy...), my dad, my sister, my dog, Charlie and my fantastic GP for seeing me through. And with counselling and medication, I made it through to the other side, with a new perspective on life - albeit fearing a relapse and doing everything I can to prevent that.

Fortunately, I've recently started a new job, where mental health is top of the agenda. At Grand Union Housing Group, we can openly talk about mental health if we want to. The organisation also worked with Mind to create a work action plan. I'm so grateful to have this support at work and that my colleagues are doing their bit to end the stigma attached with mental health. Just because I have been mentally ill does not affect my ability to perform and achieve; if anything it makes me more determined, and I'm proud to have this job, a house, and a first class degree despite everything that's happened.

To show my support for this fantastic charity, I will be running a half marathon for Mind. I was signed up to complete the Great North Run in September but Covid has prevented this. In case of any other cancellations, I've decided to do my own event - running the charity's memorable squiggle logo.

I would greatly appreciate any donations, if only small, as I know this is a difficult time for everyone. If you cannot afford this, a message of support would be just as encouraging :)