On the 27th April 25 I will be running the London Marathon in support of the incredible charity, Mind. This cause is especially close to my heart following the recent, devastating loss of my younger sister, Ellie Stylianou.

On the 6th March 24 my world changed forever, it was the day Ellie decided to take her own life. I can't express my disbelief, how much I love and and miss her. This has completely blindsided me and the grieving process is far from easy.

Ellie was struggling with her mental health, but she masked it so well. To the outside world, she was always smiling, joking, confident, and charismatic. Ellie was also the first person to help other people through their problem’s.

Her death was a shock and hit me harder than words can express. We all miss her so much and wish she would have reached out.

Mental illness doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care if you are kind, funny, brave, smart, or loving, because my sister was all those things, and more, and it still took her away from us. It took her to a dark place from which she could not return.

I know so many others who struggle silently, afraid to speak up or discouraged by long waitlists for help. The more we invest in mental health services and charities, the better it will be for everyone. We need to look after our mental health and protect it at all costs.

I am running this marathon for Ellie, to honor her memory and to show how much she means to me. I am also running to raise money for Mind, so they can continue their vital work in providing support and education around mental health. We need to be better at sharing how we feel and checking in on others. We need charities like Mind to get as much support as possible so they can help those in need and maybe even prevent what happened to Ellie from happening to others.

I am also running this marathon with my two beautiful children in mind, I want them to grow up in a world where mental health is not a taboo, where it's safe to talk about how you feel and where support is readily available for those who need it.

Please join me in supporting Mind. Your donation can make a difference in someone's life. Together, we can create a world where mental health is understood, respected, and properly cared for.

Thank you for your support.

Zoe <3