Laura Mason

I'm fundraising for Rethink Mental Illness!

In September 2025, I am participating in the iconic Great North Run to raise money for Rethink Mental Illness.

I was first diagnosed with severe depression in 2017, I was in a very dark place and had everything in place not to continue. I spoke out and got the help I needed at that point in my life from family, friends and mental health services. I was very lucky.

Over the years I go through ups and downs with my mental health and I have found running a great outlet for my mental health. Let’s be real I won’t be breaking Mo Farrahs record anytime soon, I like a takeaway too much 😂

My mental health has been impacted like most by COVID and the passing of my amazing Grandad. Since then trying to get continued support has been a challenge due to the rising numbers of people suffering with their mental health and needing more help.

I am one of the lucky ones, not only because I am still here but because I have the support of my amazing partner, family and friends that love me and stand by me every step of the way, 

I would have not met my amazing fiancée who is there through all the good and bad days, 

I would have not become Auntie Laura to 4 (soon to be 5) amazing nephews and a niece who constantly make me proud and make my day every time I see them (despite there awful choice of football teams). I love nothing more than watching them grow up into the amazing little humans they are becoming.

I have an amazing work family who have been there from the very start and have seen me at my best and worst. They are always a continual support and friendship  

Not everyone has the same level of support that I have. Currently waiting for any sort of mental health appointment to access services and help is taking an age.  I have a strong support network of people to lean on, but not everyone does and this is why charities like Rethink Mental Illness are hugely vital and need all the continued support they can get so they can continue to help people in their time of need, when they are in crisis or when they need support over a longer period of time.