Thank you for visiting my page. I'm taking on this incredible challenge and fundraising in support of Mind. 

I’ve decided to share a little bit about why running is so important to me and the difference your support can make. 

As most of you know, running has become a massively important part of my life. 

However most of you won’t know that the reason for this has been to help me to fight, and win my battle with depression. 

A few years ago we took the huge decision to relocate across the Pennines to Lytham St Annes, leaving behind family, friends and a job which I loved and was passionate about, supporting the well being of students in secondary school. We went through three house moves in one year, a hugely over running house build, two teenage daughters settling to new schools and colleges and a whole new life in a new place. 

Sadly for me, it was very tough and I started running with the aim of running one mile around Fairhaven Lake, to get me out of the house and into the fresh air. Gradually the distances built and running regularly became something to look forward to. I put on my big girl pants one day and joined the Park View 4U Friendly Runners group which was the best thing I could have done. Being surrounded by such caring, lovely people once a week became a lifeline for me. 

However towards the end of 2018, I was beginning to find that the running was not bringing me the joy it once had and I slowly realised that I was losing interest in the majority of things. There were days when I could not leave the house and I felt myself slipping into a dark place. I was ashamed and embarrassed and hadn’t realised this had been building for a long time. Just before Christmas 2018, I was finally brave enough to make a doctors appointment and stood there in tears when they said the first one would be mid January. 

When the time came, I really didn’t want to go, but I did and the most wonderful doctor didn’t judge me, he listened carefully and gave me his undivided attention and time. He confirmed what I knew, that I had depression and explained that I would need a little bit of help to get going again. 

So the journey to get well again started, taking daily anti-depressants and completing a difficult, challenging yet rewarding course of counselling and CBT to give me the skills to cope with the ups and downs in life. 

On Black Friday (27th November 2019) I felt well enough to say goodbye to the ‘Black Dog’ and finish taking the antidepressant medication. And it’s fair to say there have been lots of good days and my fair share of difficult ones too. I am learning to cope with the challenges which have been thrown in our direction, our eldest Rebecca going off to university in London and my husband unexpectedly leaving his job and being at home full time! 

The difference is now I am able to recognise the good and not so good times and realise the downtimes are not going to last forever. There is still a long way for me to go, I still find myself feeling very low at times and overwhelmed by the smallest of tasks. I am determined to stay as positive as possible and accept that to have depression was not a choice I made, it happened and I have to learn to accept it and live with it. It is not failure, nothing to be ashamed of (even though at times I am) just a small bump in the road. 

My love of running has returned with my amazing friends from the running club who have supported me every step of the way and now every mile of the way along my marathon journey. And my goodness this journey has taken some twists and turns! I secured my place in 2019 only for the marathon to be cancelled in 2020. I then moved my place to October 2021 only to then pick up an ankle tendon injury after having Covid which meant I could no longer train. After almost eight months of no running at all, with the help of the most amazing physio and PT I am back pounding the pavements and will be ready for 2nd October 2022!! The third block of training for one marathon!

Mental health is still something uncomfortable for most of us, but Mind are going a long way to break down preconceived ideas and make it more acceptable to talk about our hidden illnesses. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting me on my marathon and mental health journey. 

Nicola xx ❤🏃🏼💙

Who are Mind?

We're Mind, the mental health charity. We believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. We're here for you. Today. Now. Whether you're stressed, depressed or in crisis. We'll listen, give support and advice, and fight your corner.

We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.

Watch this short video to find out more?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPxHTZRwXX8

I'm raising funds to support the important work Mind does and to allow them to continue to be there for everyone who needs them. Please donate if you can.

This is what your donation could do:

£10 could allow us to send essential information booklets about mental health to 40 people.

£40 could pay for 28 people to campaign for change on our behalf.

£70 could keep our online community, Elefriends, open and safe for two hours. 

£120 could offer a lifeline to eight people in desperate need of support from our Mind legal line.

£200 could help us keep the Mind Infoline open for 1 hour, helping 35 people.

£300 could support a young person bereaved by suicide to access 1:1 and group support. 

£550 could provide five people struggling with their mental health a place in a 10-week wellbeing group with team sports and cookery.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my page and for donating. Your support is hugely appreciated.