Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am raising money for the mental health charity MIND because I have sadly seen first-hand, both in my personal and professional life as a story researcher for BBC Casualty, the devastating effects that mental illnesses have on people's lives which unfortunately go ignored and untreated, far too often, for far too long. 

1 in 4 of us will experience some kind of mental health problem at some point in our lives, and suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 45. Yet as striking as these statistics are, encouraging people to open up about problems that aren't always visible or are difficult to explain in a culture that still harbours the 'stiff upper lip' attitude is only half the problem. For those who do find the courage to reach out, there often isn't the funding or services available to provide them with the help they really need. Mental health accounts for 23% of diseases in the UK, and yet it receives just 11% of the NHS budget. This often means that sufferers are passed between social services, undignified police cells or A&E staff who don't have the training or confidence to deal with them appropriately, making patients feel like a burden on society just for being unwell. 

As funding to mental health services continues to be cut in a system that is already failing miserably, I believe MIND do a fantastic job of eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health, raising awareness and funding treatment, therapy, a safe place or just someone to talk to for people in need.

I am also running this half-marathon because I have found that exercising has been a great way for me to keep a healthy and happy mind, so I'd be very grateful if you could offer your support by donating. That is if I ever actually manage to put down the cake and make it across the finish line of course...

Thanks very much for your support :)