Alexander’s story

In April 2025, I ran the Paris Marathon to raise over £1,000 for Mental Health UK — a charity doing vital work supporting people across the country who are living with mental health challenges. This wasn’t just a physical challenge for me; it was a journey that reshaped my understanding of mental health, resilience, and the power of community.

"I was trying to be everything to everyone, always available and always present, and I did not realise how much pressure I was putting on myself."

The mental health crisis we face

Mental health issues affect one in four people in the UK every year , with anxiety and depression among the most common conditions. According to the NHS, nearly 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem in any given week. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened this, with surveys from the Office for National Statistics showing increased rates of mental distress across all age groups, particularly among young adults.

Yet despite the rising need, many face barriers to getting help — from long waiting lists and stigma to lack of awareness or resources. For young people especially, the challenges can be overwhelming. Economic pressures, social isolation, and uncertainty about the future have combined to push mental wellbeing to a crisis point.

How physical activity can help

Research shows that regular exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety by up to 30% , improves mood, and boosts self-esteem and sleep quality. Running in particular has been shown to increase endorphins and serotonin, brain chemicals that promote happiness and relaxation. For me, training for the Paris Marathon provided structure, purpose, and a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety.

Earlier this year, I was experiencing what I now recognise as burnout. I was trying to be everything to everyone, always available and always present, and I did not realise how much pressure I was putting on myself. I started struggling with anxiety in ways I had not before. For example, I would find myself waking up in the night feeling panicked, worrying about emails I had not answered or conversations I had not yet had. Even small decisions felt overwhelming. I knew something had to shift.

Training for the Paris Marathon gave me that shift. It gave me a reason to get outside and reconnect with myself.

Running helped quiet the noise in my mind and reminded me of the value of progress over perfection.

– Alexander

Some runs were great, some were hard, but just showing up each day helped me build a better relationship with my thoughts. Completing the marathon felt like a real turning point, not just in terms of fitness but in taking back control of my mental wellbeing.

Each training session became a chance to clear my mind and build mental resilience. The discipline required to keep going despite setbacks mirrored the persistence needed to manage mental health challenges day to day. Completing the marathon — a 42.195-kilometre test of endurance — was a symbolic and practical milestone in my wellbeing journey.

Why I chose Mental Health UK

Mental Health UK works across the country to provide helplines, peer support groups, and educational resources that reach thousands of people. Their services are often lifelines for those struggling in silence with their mental health.

Supporting this charity meant knowing my efforts were helping people access timely support, reducing stigma, and building healthier communities.

The impact on my wellbeing

Since completing the marathon, I’ve noticed measurable improvements in my mental health. I sleep better, feel less anxious, and have greater confidence in managing stress. Studies back this up — the Mental Health Foundation reports that people who exercise regularly experience significantly fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Moreover, the sense of achievement and community connection from the marathon has been deeply fulfilling. Running alongside thousands of others, sharing that collective experience, reminded me that recovery and resilience are possible — especially with support.

Looking ahead

Mental health remains one of the biggest public health challenges of our time. Without increased awareness, funding, and support, many will continue to suffer needlessly. Charities like Mental Health UK play a crucial role, but more must be done at all levels — from schools teaching emotional wellbeing, to workplaces supporting mental health, to governments investing in services.

For anyone struggling, know this: help is available, you’re not alone, and small steps — whether through exercise, talking to someone, or seeking professional support — can make a huge difference.

Running the Paris Marathon was more than a race. It was a personal commitment to mental health, a fundraiser for vital services, and a reminder that through challenge and community, we can all move towards better wellbeing.