My Story

The people who know me know that I’ve been living with mental health problems since 2020. During that time, I’ve tried all kinds of treatments — medication, counselling, therapy, and self-care. Out of everything, physical activity has helped me the most.

That’s why I’ve decided to challenge myself by taking part in the Great North Run — despite having zero running experience and only starting to train in the last month!

This is going to be a huge physical challenge for me. I deal with knee, ankle, and back pain, partly due to my height and years of being overweight. At my heaviest, I weighed 147kg, but I’ve worked hard to lose the weight and keep it off. Still, the strain has left a lasting impact on my joints — so this run is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one.

I’ve known people who have struggled like I have, and sadly, I’ve also known people who have lost their fight with mental health because they didn’t get the help they needed. So please — don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to a friend, family member, or a professional. Talking really can make a difference.

Even if you can’t donate, please take a moment to check in on someone you care about. Sometimes, all someone needs is for you to listen.

I’m running to raise money for Mind, a charity that supports people facing mental health challenges and works tirelessly to make sure no one faces them alone. Every donation, no matter how small, helps fund vital services like helplines, counselling, and community support.

Thank you for reading my story, for supporting Mind, and for helping to break the stigma around mental health. Every step I take in this run is for those still fighting — and for those we’ve lost.