Growing up we didn’t have loads of family around and mum’s best friend Debbie by de facto became our Aunty Debs.

Debs was always glamorous and always seemed to be the centre of attention, but she also would struggle with demons throughout her life.

My mum and Debs had been friends since they were kids and went to Pontins in Blackpool together, where I hear they had an amazing time meeting new people and spending time with each other. 

Over the last few years my own mum hasn’t been well and with me being away in a different city, Debs was always on hand to take mum to hospital appointments, and spend time with her when I couldn’t.

She was a generous person and would always give mum her time, all the while battling her own issues.

Debs had always struggled with her mental health and there would be periods of time when we were kids that she seemingly went off the grid for a while to get well, always returning to her charming self.

In September Debs lost her battle with those demons.

Her brothers lost an amazing sister, her family lost her sparkle and my mum lost her very best friend.

The NHS is already at breaking point and while the government has supposedly pledged millions of pounds to mental health resources, these sadly aren’t being felt by the people that need them.

Debs needed help, she asked for help, but sadly she couldn’t get what she needed.

Resources like Mind are also underfunded - they are a charity, but they do their very best in giving people what they need.

That’s why I’m running the Hackney Half this year in memory of Debs and hoping to raise money for Mind.

It’s an invaluable resource for people struggling with their mental health and I know that Debs would want people to get the help that she couldn’t.

I hope this is a nice way to remember Debs’ memory and help other people who might be struggling.

Please donate what you can x