So this year I have decided to run the Edinburgh 10km with my mum! While one of the reasons is simply for fun (yes - I now run for fun!) the other, which only my nearest and dearest will know about, is that last year I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety – there, I ripped
off the band aid and said it!

This was a massive shock to everyone, including myself, and since then has been a big learning curve, full of high and lows. It has been the toughest time in my life but I feel like I now have more good days than bad which is something to be proud of.

Of course, I have been lucky enough to have a fantastic support group of close friends and family which has been amazing - I couldn't have come this far without them - and I would also say that running has definitely been a god send - it's my way of sticking my middle finger up to my depression.

That’s why I have decided to raise money for Health in Mind. They do fantastic work raising awareness for mental health issues and promote positive mental health and wellbeing in Scotland. Did you know 1 in 4 people nowadays experience mental health problems? Perhaps you know someone yourself who is suffering. I didn’t realise how common it was until I was diagnosed myself – it just isn’t talked about. As scary as it is writing this now and revealing my “secret” to the world, I hope that by doing so, someone else suffering might feel able to speak up and get the help they need and deserve. You are definitely not alone!

Even though I fortunately haven’t needed to use their services myself, Health in Mind have helped so many others by working with people in the community to support them with their mental illness. They offer a great range of services from befriending, talking therapies, housing
support, respite services, training courses, phone counselling and more – the list goes on!

I’ll be proud to wear their vest on race day, knowing that they are working hard to help those who really need support.

So, down to business! Any amount, big or small, that you would like to donate would be greatly appreciated! I hate asking for money but this is such a fantastic cause and will go a long way to help those who are suffering. Thank you for reading! :)