Meg’s story

"After completing a course of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) ..... I began to see a noticeable shift in my outlook and mental health."

How running became part of my mental health journey

Running has had a significant impact on my own physical and mental health. It has helped me through some of the most difficult and darkest moments of my life. Following several consecutive deaths and illnesses in my family, within a brief period of time, I spiralled into depression and anxiety. I didn’t cope very well at all after the shocking news.

This led to me seeking help from TalkWorks, a free NHS service. It gave me the opportunity to talk to trained professionals about my worries and undertake some strategies to improve my mental health.

One of the strategies that I decided to try was to join a running club after seeing a social media post. I pushed my boundaries, which in the past has prevented me from doing new things, meeting new people and doing a sport that I was unfamiliar with.

My first run with the club was a success. Even though it was nerve-wracking, this is where I fell in love with running! I loved the sense of achievement and belonging that I gained from running with like-minded people. Even though I was the slowest of the group, I saw the improvements that I accomplished every week.

Within a matter of months, I started entering a variety of local running races in North Devon, from a hilly 5km trail run at Haldon Forest to a challenging 10km. After completing a course of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with TalkWorks, my confidence increased, and I began to see a noticeable shift in my outlook and mental health.

Taking on the London Landmarks Half-Marathon in 2026

In 2025, I decided to enter the 2026 London Landmarks Half-Marathon. My own experiences with mental health led me to raise money and awareness for Mental Health UK. This was my hardest challenge to date.

As I entered more races, I also focused on fundraising through cake sales, butterfly pin badges, bingo night and raffles. I’m proud to say that I raised over £1,200 for Mental Health UK. The London Landmarks Half Marathon was all that it was publicised up to be; large crowds cheering you on and the buzz that comes with running for a charity you believe in.

Running has changed my life

Going for a run seems like a simple task to do. You put one foot in front of the other and then repeat.

But your brain will fool you into wanting to quit a run before you’re physically spent. Running is both a physical and mental challenge.

I love running. I now have much more confidence in myself, both physically and mentally. I’m also the fittest that I have ever been.

Anything is possible when you commit to your goals and trust the process. My journey has taught me that progress doesn’t happen overnight – it’s built one step, one class and one workout at a time.

Information and support

Anxiety disorders     Depression      Grief and bereavement

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