On Sunday 9th March, hundreds of dedicated runners will take on the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon, pushing themselves to the limit not just for personal achievement, but to support vital causes like CPSL Mind. This year, an inspiring group of fundraisers are running in support of the local mental health charity, helping to ensure that no one in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, or South Lincolnshire has to face their struggles alone.
A Community Coming Together for Mental Health
CPSL Mind is proud to have a team of over 100 runners committed to raising funds and awareness for mental health. With demand for mental health services continuing to rise, the funds raised through this event will support crucial initiatives, including crisis services, peer support groups, and community outreach programmes.
Among those running are individuals with deeply personal connections to CPSL Mind’s work. Their journeys highlight the life-changing impact of mental health support and the power of community in fostering resilience and recovery.
For Lily, running the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon is about giving back to a charity that transformed her life. Having struggled with severe anxiety since her early teens, she reached a point where even leaving the house felt impossible. It was only through the support of CPSL Mind and therapy, that she was able to regain control over her life.
Now 21 and in her third year at Anglia Ruskin University studying Psychology, Lily is determined to help others facing similar battles. “I’ve come so far, and I know that 16-year-old me would be so proud,” she says. “This is my way of saying thank you and making sure more people get the support they need.”
Training for the half marathon has been a challenge, but Lily has embraced it wholeheartedly. “Some days, it’s tough, especially in winter, but I remind myself why I’m doing this. That keeps me going.”
Lottie, a 20-year-old Biomedical Science student, has faced her own battles with depression and anxiety. Moving between different local health services made accessing mental health support difficult, but Mind was there when she needed it most. Now, she wants to ensure others have the same opportunity for help and recovery.
Encouraged by her boyfriend, Lottie decided to take on the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon, despite not being a runner. “At first, I wasn’t sure I could do it, but seeing CPSL Mind on the charity list made me sign up immediately,” she shares.
Training has not only prepared her for race day but has also helped her rediscover a love for exercise. “Running has been amazing for my mental well-being, and I hope that through this challenge, I can encourage more people to seek help and talk openly about mental health.”
For Hannah, a 21-year-old English Literature student at the University of Cambridge, the half marathon is deeply personal. She is running in memory of her sister, Rachel, who tragically took her own life at the age of 16. Rachel was passionate about mental health awareness and loved running, making this the perfect tribute.
“It’s been years since Rachel passed, but we always look for ways to keep her memory alive,” Hannah explains. “CPSL Mind does incredible work supporting people who are struggling, and I like to think that Rachel would be proud.”
Balancing training with university life has been challenging, but Hannah has found motivation in her progress. “It’s rewarding to see myself running further and faster. The support from friends and family has kept me going.”
As a CPSL Mind trustee, Scott has seen firsthand how crucial community-based mental health services are. A property lawyer by profession, he understands the immense pressures faced in professional environments and the impact of stress and burnout on mental health.
Last year, Scott ran the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon without much preparation or fundraising. This time, he’s more organised, training consistently and actively raising funds through office raffles and events. “I love running for the mental health benefits, and this year, I want to make a tangible impact through fundraising,” he says.
Scott’s key message to others? “You don’t have to be a competitive runner to take part. Just moving your body – whether it’s walking or jogging – can do wonders for your mental health.”
Join the Movement and Support CPSL Mind
The TTP Cambridge Half Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a testament to resilience, hope, and community spirit. Every step taken by these runners brings us closer to a world where mental health support is accessible to all.
If you’d like to support CPSL Mind and help ensure vital mental health services remain available, consider donating to these incredible fundraisers. Every contribution makes a difference.
Let’s cheer on Lily, Lottie, Hannah, Scott, and all the runners taking on this challenge. Their journeys remind us that mental health matters, and together, we can create a more supportive and compassionate world.
February 25, 2025
