This October, I'm running the Royal Parks half marathon in memory of my little brother Fred. In April 2020, after a long battle with his mental health, Fred died by suicide, a month before his 19th birthday.

Although the overwhelming majority of the NHS professionals who supported him over the years were incredibly helpful and caring, they were consistently working against a drastically underfunded, under-resourced, and ultimately failing mental health system. This is particularly the case for young people like Fred, who make the compulsory transition from NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult services, immediately following their turning 18. Far too many young people fall through the cracks during the transition, at the same time as they might be going to university, potentially entering one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

With the onset of the COVID lockdown and the closing of mental health services, Fred was let down.

This is why I'm raising money for Mind, who tries to influence the government to ensure people with mental health problems, particularly young people like Fred, get the support and respect they deserve. Thank you in advance for donating whatever you can. I am super grateful for your support. :)