My Story

I am running the London Marathon for Mind, in memory of my Auntie Gill - a woman I love deeply and miss every single day.

Auntie Gill lived with mental illness, and she was incredibly brave. She battled every day, often quietly, in ways that many people never saw or fully understood. Her strength will always stay with me. She deserves to be remembered for her courage, not just her struggles.

Heartbreakingly, Auntie Gill lost her life as a result of her mental illness. Her story is one of many, and it shows just how serious mental health can be - and how important it is that people feel supported, understood, and not alone.

I am also running this marathon alone. That choice is intentional. The London Marathon is full of noise, crowds, and incredible support - but for each runner, the miles are still faced internally. No one truly knows what another person is carrying with them. This run represents that inner journey, and the strength it takes to keep going, one step at a time.

I’m not a seasoned runner — I’m a complete beginner, and this will be the biggest physical challenge I’ve ever taken on. But I’m doing it with purpose, and with my Auntie Gill in mind every step of the way.

Mental illness has been part of my life and my family for many years. I live with it myself, and my mum also struggles with her mental health. It has shaped so much of who we are, and it’s shown me that mental illness doesn’t just affect individuals — it affects the people who love them most.

That’s why I’m running for Mind.

Mind supports people when they need it most. They help break the stigma around mental illness and provide vital help, hope, and understanding to those who are struggling.

This marathon is for my Auntie Gill.
For everyone who battles every day.
And for anyone who feels unseen, unheard, or alone.

Every step I take is for my Auntie - to honour her courage and her life, and for the battles no one sees.

Thank you so much for supporting me, and for supporting Mind. 💙