The University of Bristol is partnering with UWE and the Great Run Company to take part with the local community in the Simplyhealth Bristol 10K on Sunday 5 May 2019. I will be running my first race in 4 years in support of the University of Bristol's Healthy Minds programme, a physical activity intervention that taps into the benefits of exercise to support students encountering mental health difficulties while at university.

Mental health is the great health challenge of our generation, with cases of poor mental health spiralling especially among young people. At universities, which are already demanding and stressful environments at the best of times, there is unprecedented demand for support services. The Healthy Minds programme is just one of the many ways in which the University of Bristol has been working to provide better and more varied forms of support for today's students. Through my work in the University's Development and Alumni Relations Office I am already indirectly involved in raising philanthropic funds for these schemes - now it's time for me to put my money where my mouth is and do something to raise the funds myself!

£150 will support one student through the 3-month, mentored and monitored physical activity programme. This includes an allocated activity mentor (fitness staff with advanced mental health training), access to the gym and other sports facilities, and programmed support. My personal goal is to raise enough money to support three students. 

Please consider donating to this worthy cause - every gift makes a difference. Thank you.