My Activity Tracking
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I'm fundraising for Rethink Mental Illness!
In September 2025, I am participating in the iconic Berlin Marathon to raise money for Rethink Mental Illness.
As someone who has suffered with mental health previously, mostly postnatal, I want to raise awareness and also help navigate people through the struggles with my own lived experience. I have 3 children aged 16, 10 and 6 months old.
I suffered with postnatal depression with my first two after awful pregnancies and births, and I felt petrified to have more children. The darkness I felt in those moments, and how long it took me to feel myself again, was something I would never wish on anyone. It took a lot away from me. There is a lot of shame felt around the idea of suffering with mental health, but I want to change that. Not only the way people view mental illnesses, but also try to help anyone who’s going through a tough time to show that there is so much more to look forward to, and show that your body is so much more capable than your mind gives it credit for. I think that’s why I love marathons, it’s a mental battle and crossing that finish line shows you’re stronger than you could ever have known.
I found my love for running in 2021, and have run 7 marathons so far. Running is more than just a sport, it is everything to me, even a short run changes my mood and mind for the better.
I fell pregnant in 2024 and made a promise to myself that I would continue to run as long as I could, and get back to it as soon as I could after the birth. I had a place with London marathon in 2024 that I had to defer due to suffering with hyperemesis. The pregnancy was difficult, but so was the birth.
My baby was born prematurely via c section, and we spent a significant amount of time in special care. This was a challenging time for me, having to leave the hospital with no baby in my arms, and having to spend time with my children in two different places. It was a time where previously, my mind would have taken over and the darkness I knew previously would have controlled the situation and allowed depression to take away such a special time, so I decided to get my body moving. I walked until I was able to run.
When it was finally time for me to train for my marathon, me and my baby started our training together, right up until race day. It was incredibly special.
In April 2025, I completed London Marathon in 3 hours 44 minutes, the day before my son turned 6 months old. The incredible feeling I had crossing that finish line knowing not only had I done something I promised myself I could do, but that promise was what kept me from experiencing depression again. I didn’t allow it to take away those special moments when, given the circumstances, it could very well have.
Movement, whatever that looks like to you, is so incredibly important and I will always encourage anyone to get outside when they are having a down day. I want to show with my personal experiences that things can get better. There is a light at the end.
It is so important to have access to resources and support. That's why I am taking part in this event - to help Rethink Mental Illness continue its mission of improving the lives of those affected by severe mental health issues.
Every donation counts towards my goal of reaching £1,250 and I am incredibly grateful to anyone who helps me raise funds for such an amazing charity.
Your contribution will help provide vital services such as support groups, and educational resources for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
