Why am I running for ‘Mind’? One in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. It is therefore likely that we all know someone who is suffering, quite often silently, from a mental health issue. People are often afraid to seek help because of the stigma of mental health, this needs to be addressed to encourage people to get the support that they need to help them through a difficult point in their life.

The mental health system can be complicated and it can be hard to know where to go for support. ‘Mind’ provide support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Because of ‘Mind’, millions of people have access to advice and support thanks to their information services nationally and locally in England and Wales. There are over 140 local ‘Minds’ supporting 375,000 people. Many mental health conditions are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors … not personal weakness or a character defect and recovery from a mental illness is not simply a matter of will and self-discipline.

I’m fortunate that I’m in a good place at the moment, although as with most people life hasn’t always run smoothly and I have been through some stressful times. In November 2009 at the age of only 41, I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. I went through a single mastectomy operation with reconstruction using the muscle from my thigh followed by a harsh regime of 6 chemotherapy treatments causing hair loss. The lowest point was after my first chemotherapy treatment, when I lost my Mum to ovarian cancer. There are no words to express the raw grief, level of despair, desperation and sadness that I felt. And still unable to seek professional help because of the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Less than a year after my initial diagnosis, 
I had a preventative full hysterectomy as I'm a BRCA1 carrier, which also gives a high chance of ovarian cancer. It took me 4 years to fully recover from 2 major operations and the effects of chemotherapy …. then came
the devastating news in November 2013 “you have a new aggressive breast cancer
on the other side”. I went through my 2^nd mastectomy operation with a reconstruction (using the opposite thigh muscle) in January 2014. This time, I didn't have the chemotherapy offered as a precautionary measure. 

Running and kayaking keep me feeling positive and I love spending time with like-minded people who value the importance of sport, an outdoor life and well-being. Exercise makes me feel alive and happy and the benefits are immeasurable. For me, to run a half marathon will be a huge achievement and I’m putting everything into my training. I’m currently running 3 or 4 times a week in all weathers and kayaking once a week to get my fitness up. Last week, I ran over 9 miles, only another 4 miles and I’m there!

There are so many people who go through major stresses in life, which could be due to illness, loss of a loved one, divorce, injury, job loss, work stress, PTSD, bullying etc. We all need support and someone to turn to. Please help me to support others to get the help that they need from charities such as ‘Mind’ by donating a small amount to my fundraising page … and remember, don’t suffer in silence as there is professional help available.

Thank you for reading my post and wishing you all health and happiness.