*LONDON MARATHON 2022 with THE OUTWARD BOUND TRUST*

Some exciting news from me this weekend…  I am officially running the London Marathon! I will be picking my mileage back up and getting my training on, to run 26.2 miles in support of a charity that I am very passionate about; The Outward Bound Trust.

I have written a little something about this charity and my motivations below and would appreciate it if you get a chance to give it a little read, and importantly… if you could support my fundraising efforts with any donations!

NHS data and recent studies show:

• One-in-six young people in the UK were estimated to have a probable mental health problem in 2021, up from one-in-nine pre-pandemic.
• 52.5% of emerging adults aged 17-23 have experienced deterioration in mental health since 2017
• It was found that during the pandemic, where outdoor recreation was possible, involvement in such activities significantly mediated the decline in youth mental health
• Time spent engaging in activities and challenges outdoors has been found to improve resilience in young people, with a significant reduction in psychiatric symptomology

As some of you will know, I am currently studying for my PhD in psychology. My research centers around children and young people with conduct problems, and ways in which this under-served group, along with their families can be better understood and supported.

While conducting my research, I have worked with many families who have nearly all experienced deteriorations in mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic and beyond. Not only are we seeing an increase in conduct problems amongst young people, but mental health problems across the board are on the rise in this group (as the data shows!). Now more than ever, young people are facing struggles of trauma, burnout, uncertainty, reduced intervention,
deprivation of opportunity, and much more.

However, it’s not all bad! So many amazing support services are working through these challenging times to support children and young people, to inspire, empower and motivate them. As shown, outdoor-based workshops and interventions have immense benefits for people and are shown to significantly improve well-being and mental health in the long term.

This is why it’s important for me to support The Outward Bound Trust. Established in 1941, TOBT has been providing expeditions and outdoor programmes for over 80 years, to fulfill its mission of inspiring young people to defy their limitations, so they become strong, resilient, curious, and ready for real-life risks and challenges. Importantly to me, TOBT fosters a model of collaboration; working alongside young people and using a strength-based approach to empower them to become the strongest individual they can be.

TOBT supports over 25,000 young people every year, and importantly
over 80% of participants receive funding support. This is absolutely vital, as we know socio-economic deprivation can not only be a key risk factor for youth mental health problems but can also act as a key barrier to receiving equitable support. By raising over £3.2million last year, TOTB was able to support over 16,000 individuals to embark upon one of their adventures.

All of this to say, I am running the marathon to support this cause!! I am a keen runner and want to take on the challenge of running 26.2 miles to raise as much money as I can to help fund the TOBT expeditions. I have run one marathon before, but The London Marathon is mega, and I am hopeful to smash a PB (eyes)!

So, as my mini-thesis comes to an end, I thank you for taking the time to read this, and will be hugely grateful for any donations given (JustGiving in bio). I also welcome and encourage any running buddies over the next few months, as I’ll be wanting as much company as possible on these training runs.

Thanks all!

Marcus