On Sunday 16th October, I'll be running the Oxford Half Marathon (13.1 miles) to raise money for Restore! 

Restore is a mental health charity that works with those whose lives are being negatively impacted by long-term mental health issues, ranging from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders and schizophrenia. 

It supports people in their recovery through a community rehabilitation approach, offering services including one-to-one support, recovery groups, mental health first aid training and employment coaching, as well as working with the wider community to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

I've chosen to fundraise for Restore because despite the start of a cultural shift in awareness of mental health issues in the UK in recent years, accessing support can still often be extremely difficult, especially for those in more marginalised positions in society, so I believe the work that charities like this are doing is as important as ever. 

I know that many people are experiencing a lot of financial constraints at the moment given the cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty, but I'd be extremely grateful for any donations, no matter how small!