Faye Turnbull-Stoker

I'm running the Great North Run 2025 for Rethink Mental Illness

I'm taking part in the GNR this year to raise vital funds for Rethink Mental Illness. In recent years, my family has lost three much loved family members due to them suffering from mental health problems. 

I lost my dad back in 2020 due to chronic illness that was brought on by mental health issues. Then tragically in 2022 I lost my beautiful cousin Johan to suicide. My family hardly had time to come to terms with loss of Johan, when my cousin, Rupert, who was like a brother to me, tragically took his own life in August of last year. To say it has left our family completely devastated is an understatement.  There are no words to describe the pain from losing someone you love to suicide.

Suicide is the biggest killer of people under the age of 35 and the biggest killer of men under the age of 50 in the UK. The government has made so many cuts to mental health services, and in the not so distant future it looks like they are going to try and make it even harder for those who are struggling  every day to gain access to the help they so desperately need. The prospect of this for those who are suffering so badly must be absolutely  terrifying. This is why we need to do all we can for the charities who are working so hard to help those who are in desperate need right now. 

Every penny, no matter how small will be greatly appreciated xxx