We lost one of my dearest friends, Neil Gillespie, in 2005 and I have supported Mind since then. I am running my first half marathon to raise funds for Oxfordshire Mind, and in Neil's memory.

Two years ago, I could hardly walk up the stairs without getting out of breath, so running 21km for around 2 hours will be a massive achievement for me, and something to aim for. I've lost 4.5 stones / 30% of my body weight in that time, and running has been a great contributor, and has also helped with my own mental health and well being.

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any one year. Oxfordshire Mind helps over 30,000 people with mental health challenges every year. They promote good mental health through the provision of high quality services and campaigning for positive change. Their services include housing, talking therapies, benefits advice, a confidential and free information line, courses (such as ‘practical ways to wellbeing’), physical activity programmes, volunteering opportunities, and they facilitate over 60 peer-support groups each week.