On Sunday 9th March, the streets of Cambridge were filled with energy, determination, and hope as hundreds of dedicated runners took on the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon. It was an unforgettable day, a true celebration of resilience, community spirit, and a shared commitment to raising awareness of mental health.
CPSL Mind is thrilled to announce that we have raised an astonishing £58,377, a sum that continues to rise as more generous donations pour in. This is an incredible achievement, and we cannot thank our supporters enough for their overwhelming generosity. It was a truly wonderful day, and every runner, fundraiser, volunteer, staff member, and supporter played a vital role in making it a success.
We also celebrated a record number of participants, with over 100 runners taking part in the iconic event.
A Heartfelt Thank You
A massive thank you goes out to every single individual who made this event such a huge success. To the runners – whether they ran for personal achievement or to support the vital work of CPSL Mind – you are all champions in our eyes. Your dedication and determination are what made this event possible.
A special thank you to the fundraisers who went above and beyond, not just in raising funds, but also in spreading awareness of the importance of mental health services. Your efforts make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
To the volunteers who gave their time and energy, you were the backbone of the day. From supporting runners along the course to providing encouragement at the finish line, your enthusiasm helped keep spirits high.
Our staff have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring everything ran smoothly, and we cannot express enough gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
Finally, to all of our supporters – whether you cheered from the sidelines or donated to the cause, your encouragement and kindness helped propel us to this remarkable fundraising total.
Stories of Inspiration
The day was made even more meaningful by the personal stories of the individuals who ran to support CPSL Mind and its vital work. From those who have personally benefited from mental health services to those running in memory of loved ones, each story was a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health support.
One of those stories came from Lily, who ran in honour of the charity that helped her overcome severe anxiety. “This is my way of saying thank you and making sure more people get the support they need,” she shared.
Lottie, who battled her own depression and anxiety, used the event to encourage others to seek help. “Running has been amazing for my mental well-being, and I hope that through this challenge, I can encourage more people to talk openly about mental health.”
And then there was Hannah, running in memory of her sister Rachel, who tragically took her own life. “CPSL Mind does incredible work supporting people who are struggling, and I like to think that Rachel would be proud,” she said.
Reflections After the Race
The impact of the event was felt long after the finish line, as many runners reflected on their journeys and the meaningful experience of supporting CPSL Mind.
Scott, a trustee for CPSL Mind, shared his thoughts after the event: “Running the Cambridge Half for CPSL Mind was an amazing experience! The unseasonably hot weather made those last couple of miles a real struggle, but the incredible support of the crowd and thinking of all the money being raised for CPSL Mind helped drag me over the finish line. Hopefully, next year will be a bit cooler so I can have another go at that PB!”
Meanwhile, Lottie’s journey was filled with challenges, but her perseverance paid off: “After 6 months of preparation, fundraising and a few injuries, I have made it across the finish line and wow, it feels good! I’ve proven to myself and others that anything is possible. You can be in the worst headspace of your life 3 years ago and then completely turn your life around through therapy and support that Mind provide. I am now living in Cambridge, taking every day as it comes and absolutely loving my placement year for my university degree. I will definitely be doing another half marathon, who knows maybe a full marathon. But will definitely let my legs recover for a bit first! Thank you to everybody for the support and donations, it means so much to me.”
It was long-standing supporter Ollie’s third running event in aid of CPSL Mind. He shared: “It was a privilege to run again for CPSL Mind at the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon. This was my third race for them, and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon. It was inspiring to see so many CPSL Mind t-shirts on the course, with everyone cheering each other on.”
In addition to event participation, Ollie has been running 100km a month to raise awareness that mental health is a daily challenge. This year, he’s taking on even more: the Rome Marathon this weekend, the Brighton Marathon in April, and a 100km Ultra in London in May. He’ll also continue his 100km monthly runs and has plans for a skydive to raise even more for CPSL Mind (date TBC). Ollie’s commitment to raising awareness and supporting CPSL Mind is truly inspiring!
Moving Forward with Hope
The funds raised through this event will go directly toward supporting CPSL Mind’s essential services, including crisis intervention, peer support groups, and community outreach. As demand for mental health services continues to rise, the support we received on Sunday ensures that we can continue our mission to help those in need across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and South Lincolnshire. During 2023/2024, CPSL Mind supported 6,000 local people and the need for support has never been greater, with 1 in 4 of us said to experience mental health challenges in any given year.
It’s not just about the money raised – it’s about the incredible movement that was built on Sunday. Each step taken by every runner brought us closer to a world where no one has to face their mental health struggles alone.
Join Us for The Great Eastern Run – Peterborough, 12th October 2025
CPSL Mind is excited to announce that we are now inviting participants to sign up for The Great Eastern Run in Peterborough on 12th October 2025. This popular event offers a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself while supporting a vital cause. We encourage runners of all abilities to join us in our mission to raise awareness and funds for mental health services across the region.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Debbie Glonek at debbie.glonek@cpslmind.org.uk. We would love to have you as part of our team!
Additionally, if you’re looking for more fundraising opportunities, please visit CPSL Mind’s Fundraising Page to find out how you can get involved in supporting mental health in our community.
Thank You for Being a Part of This Journey
To all those who made the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon a monumental success, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The impact of this event will be felt for a long time, and together, we are making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you, and we hope you’ll join us next time as we run, walk, and move for mental health! Let’s keep the conversation going, and together, let’s create a more supportive and compassionate world for all.
March 3, 2025
