I'm excited to be throwing on the lycra this year and stomping the streets of Ipswich for the Great East Run! I have no idea if I can do it (it's 13.1 f*cking miles!), but I'm determined to give it a go for a great cause ... MIND Suffolk.

Mental health should be talked about as openly as physical health, and mental healthcare should be freely available for all. Until this happens, the wonderful people at MIND provide services and support for people suffering from mental heath issues (a massive proportion of the population) and work hard to remove the stigma that these issues carry. Basically, they're awesome!

For me, running and mental health are linked. Exercise has been a lifeline for me through my darkest days, and it seems appropriate to use it to raise money for MIND. I would be eternally grateful if you could spare a few pennies to sponsor me. And if you see me on the streets of Ipswich - looking red, sweaty and wondering what on earth I've got myself into - give me a wave.

Thanks

Hayley xx