Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening,

How many times do you read stories about people, especially younger people, who have taken their own lives due to the struggle they were experiencing with their mental health? Often. And in those stories, how often do the people closest to said person say the words 'We had no idea how they were feeling. They never showed any signs of depression/being that upset. I never imagined they'd do this'? 

All the time.

Mental health is one of the most important challenges we all face today, especially during these unprecedented times.  I guarantee we all know someone who suffers from particularly bad mental health, whether we know/witness their struggle or not. 

I certainly know people who do. And I've struggled with it a lot myself. This last year or so has been a constant battle with my own head. In August of last year it got so bad I even considered ending it all for good. And hardly anyone knew. My closest friends and family could see I was sad sometimes, but I never let on just how bad it was. I was lucky I found a way to cope and get out of that deep, dark pit - but others aren't so lucky. 

MIND helps people like me and so many others who are at constant battles with our own minds. They provide support, advice and will stop at nothing to ensure mental health is not swept under the carpet and is taken as seriously as it should be, especially in the unprecedented times the worls finds itself in right now. Mental health and helping those who suffer is a top priority,

So that's why I've decided to run the MK Marathon (the full 26.2 miles) on Monday 3rd May 2021 for MIND. One of the toughest challenges the human body can face, it's the next step on the ladder for me after my triathlon three years ago. I've never run further than ten miles, and that was only last week. I've a long way to go but I have never been more driven or determined to succeed in my entire life. 

This will test me both physically (those who know me will know my joints are in the mud already) and mentally more than any challenge before, but I will do it to prove to myself I can come through the worst period of mental health I've ever been in and close the book doing something extraordinary for a charity which does absolutely extraordinary things.

I'm privileged and honoured to be raising money for MIND, and any donations big or small from yourselves are heavily welcomed and appreciated.  The work MIND do is so, so important. 

Thank you so much.

I won't let you down.

Thanks,

Zach x