I, alongside my partner Clare, will be taking on the Great North Run in September in support of Mind.

Mind are a fantastic charity which focuses on supporting those who struggle with their mental health.

Like many others, I began running during the first COVID-19 lockdown, mostly to give me a reason to leave the house. As it happens, COVID-19 would also result in me losing my job and entering long period of unemployment. These were some difficult days, but I'm adamant they would have been much worse had I not discovered the joy of running.

Going on a run provided me with the opportunity to clear my head and channel my energy into something other than worrying about finding work. Running was, and still is, my relaxation space, but unfortunately things aren't quite so simple for many others.

To me, running and having good mental health go hand-in-hand, so it only seemed natural that I would raise money for Mind when taking on the Great North Run.

As much or as little as you can give, please help Clare and I raise some funds for this fantastic cause!