For many, running a half marathon is a personal challenge – a test of endurance, perseverance, and determination. But for Lottie, a 20-year-old Biomedical Science student at the University of Warwick currently completing a year’s placement in Cambridge, it’s so much more than that. It’s a way to give back to a charity that has had a profound impact on her life.
A Personal Connection to Mind
Mental health support has played a crucial role in Lottie’s journey. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety as a teenager, she has faced significant challenges over the years. Originally from South Wales, she was under the care of her GP there. However, when she moved to Warwick for university, she had to start over with accessing mental health services.
“Mind is such a special charity to me because they have provided a great deal of help and support. At the time, I accessed my local Mind charity, Coventry and Warwickshire Mind, but now that I’m living here in Cambridge, I wanted to do something for my current local Mind – CPSL Mind,” Lottie shares. “I wanted to give back and raise funds for those struggling with their mental health. I want others to have the same opportunities for support as I’ve had.
Lottie’s experiences with mental health have not been limited to her own struggles – she has seen close friends and family members go through similar battles. Looking back, she recognises that she didn’t fully understand mental health as a child. “I thought my feelings were normal, but now I know they weren’t,” she says. “A lot of people don’t speak up, but I’m passionate about helping them do so and breaking the stigma around mental health.”
Overcoming Darkness and Finding Strength
Lottie’s teenage years were particularly difficult. “During my darkest days, I wasn’t attending school, I struggled with self-harm and lost a lot of weight as I struggled with an eating disorder. I had several suicide attempts and was admitted to hospital. Upon release, I had to be closely monitored, and my mum had to be with me at all times.” But through a combination of therapy, medication, and unwavering support from loved ones, Lottie has come out the other side. “I’m pleased to say I’m in a much better place now. My reliance on medication has significantly reduced, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) really helped me.”
Her journey has instilled in her a strong belief that mental health support should be available to everyone – before they reach crisis point. “Mental health is a spectrum, and you don’t need to be in the depths of despair to get help. It’s better to seek support before it reaches that stage. I reached that point, and it’s not a nice place to be.”
Taking on the Cambridge Half Marathon
It was Lottie’s boyfriend who first suggested she take on the challenge of the Cambridge Half Marathon. “At that point, I wasn’t really running,” she admits. “But he encouraged me to go for it. I looked through the list of charities, saw CPSL Mind, and knew I just had to do it. I signed up there and then!”
“This will be my first-ever half marathon. It’ll be tough, but nothing compared to the struggles faced by those battling mental health challenges.”
Training for the half marathon has reignited her love for sports and exercise. She now runs three – four times a week and has noticed significant improvements in her endurance and mental well-being. “It’s been amazing to see how much progress I’ve made. Running has given me a new way to manage my mental health.”
On race day, Lottie’s boyfriend will be running as well – although she laughs that he’ll be far ahead of her. “I’m sure I’ll see him at the finish line to celebrate! But what I’m most excited about is sharing this experience with my friends and family. They’ve been there for me through my lowest points, helped me get better, and now we can celebrate together. It was hard on them when I was really ill, so this feels like a victory for all of us.”
Advice for New Runners and Those Struggling with Mental Health
As someone who only recently started training for a half marathon, Lottie has some words of wisdom for new runners: “Invest in a good pair of trainers! And if you can, train with others – it makes the process much easier and more enjoyable.”
For those struggling with their mental health, her message is one of hope and resilience: “Reach out for help and never be alone when you’re struggling. There are people out there who can help you. Stay strong, keep positive, and be kind to yourself.”
Support Lottie and CPSL Mind
Lottie’s journey is a testament to the power of mental health support and the importance of giving back. By running the Cambridge Half Marathon, she is raising crucial funds for CPSL Mind, ensuring that more people can access the support they need.
If you’d like to support Lottie’s fundraising efforts and contribute to CPSL Mind, every donation makes a difference. Your support will help provide vital services, ensuring that no one has to face mental health struggles alone.
Together, we can break the stigma and make mental health support accessible for all.
Please donate here!
February 25, 2025
