I’m a joiner, so when, in my first week in my new role, the fundraising team put a call out to fill a last minute spot on the Royal Parks Half Marathon, I signed up straight away 🙋🏻‍♀️ I hadn’t considered the fact I’d not been exercising that much the last month due to having an ongoing cough, that I’d never actually run more than 10k and I only had about 6 weeks to train…

The training has been quite an effort to say the least. Initially I was hampered by having ancient trainers (about 7 years old and quite well used isn’t good for the ol’ knees I found out), so on advice from a friend I got some new ones and have been edging my mileage up. I think with some crowd-based adrenaline I should be grand on the day 🙏😬🙄

My role at BWW Mind involves organising rapid access to free therapy and psychoeducational workshops for children and young people aged 11-25 in Westminster, as part of a national pilot project which studies the efficacy of early intervention in young people’s mental health. I believe so wholeheartedly in the necessity of this work that it’s a pleasure to be doing this run as a fundraiser.

I’m running in honour of Nirmal, someone I knew when working in a previous role, who we tragically lost to suicide in September 2020. His family have given me their blessing and will be coming to cheer me on, which means the world to me.

About BWW Mind:

For over 50 years, BWW Mind has been devoted to providing community-based mental health initiatives, supporting over 19,000 each year.

With 1 in 4 experiencing a mental health problem every year, our mission is clear: nobody should face mental health alone.

Your generous donations will help fund the vital services we run, from specialised youth support, community programmes, talking therapies and suicide bereavement support.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can make sure everyone receives the support they deserve.