Piotr Stanny

Help me raise £650 for Rethink Mental Illness

On 19 April 2026, I’ll be running the Manchester Marathon in support of Rethink Mental Illness — a charity that directly helps almost 60,000 people every year across England.

Here’s briefly what Rethink.org does:

• Helplines & advice – free expert guidance on rights, welfare, work and treatment.

• Support for families & carers – helping them stay resilient and connected.

• Crisis & housing services – safe spaces, 24/7 care and supported housing to rebuild independence.

• Challenging stigma – campaigns that change attitudes, influence policy and push for fairer care.

Your donation will help keep these vital services available for those who need them most. 

My personal motivation: 

Being close to someone living with a form of mental disorder has shown me how complex it can be to navigate – and how it affects everyone around, too. Unfortunately, while growing up in my home country, mental health wasn’t something spoken about. 

Later, in early adulthood and before reaching my current level of decent stability in life, I experienced how enduring adversity may gradually become detrimental to mental health if ignored. This is where services similar to Rethink.org — helpline and guidance — came in handy, allowing me to recollect and educate myself on the subject, shift my mindset, and improve my overall well-being.

Now I'd like to bring the mind-body connection into focus. Thankfully, I’ve been involved in sports since a young age. However, it wasn't until I became a Personal Trainer during my university studies that I witnessed firsthand how transformative physical activity could be for people’s mood and confidence.

Furthermore, when gyms closed during COVID lockdowns, it was clear even a relaxed workout in a park provided us with structure, anxiety relief, and, most importantly, connection. Those moments remind me how powerful movement can be, from yoga and walks to running and cycling, and even weightlifting. Studies confirm – physical activity is essential for a clear and healthy mind, as it prevents mental and cognitive decline at the physiological level.

By running this marathon, I hope not only to raise awareness but also explore and learn more about mental health myself. Just by writing this post and the self-reflection it prompted, I knew it was the right cause for me to support.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading and supporting this cause.
Wishing you all the best!

~ Piotr