A Personal Journey: Running for Mind

Friday 3 May 2019

My running journey started in July 2016 shortly after I had lost a close friend to suicide.

Joe was a lovely young man with such a kind heart. He always had this big beautiful grin on his face and was so welcoming to everyone.

After the initial shock and once the funeral had taken place, I constantly kept thinking, what could I do to help? As a result I decided to sign up to run the York 10k and raise funds for York Mind.

At the time I had just quit smoking, had three slipped discs in my back, and (I’ll be the first to admit) I would always opt for the lift instead of taking the stairs!

I knew this would be a real challenge for me and would take a lot of persistence and dedication, but I wanted to do it for Joe.

Whilst I couldn’t help Joe, I thought if raising awareness and funds for Mind can help one person to change their mind set or seek help then that was a job well done for me.

Since then I have completed over 40 races including the Great North Run, two road marathons, and three ultra-marathons, all whilst raising awareness and funds for Mind. I have also helped out with organising an art auction.

I would never have described myself as someone who struggled with mental health issues but the difference running has made to me has been unbelievable.

I’m so much happier in myself, I find it so much easier to concentrate at work, to resolve any stresses I do have, and it’s just given me a much clearer outlook on everything.

It’s amazing how plodding along the streets for 30 minutes and working up a sweat can bring such clarity and calmness to your mind.

That’s why I believe that running is such a fantastic sport to couple with fundraising for a mental health charity, ensuring vital funds are raised and they can continue helping those who need support.

I am now training for the Leeds Half Marathon which I will be running on Sunday 12 May 2019, which is in fact the three year anniversary of Joe’s death.

I’ll be running this in his memory and in aid of Mind and I hope I can do them both proud.