Emma has set herself a fundraising challenge alongside 5-month-old George and cockapoo Ginger during her maternity leave.
Solent Mind fundraiser Emma shares her story and why she is raising money for us...
George is my 13 week old baby boy and Ginger is my 5yr old cockapoo. I am currently on maternity leave and set myself a challenge to walk a local footpath from start to finish. The Test Way is a path spanning from Inkpen Beacon in Berkshire through to the mouth of the river at Eling Tide Mill, following the course of the River Test, which equates to 44miles in total. I am carrying George in his carrier and all his stuff on my back (must be an extra stone) on top!
The reason for choosing Solent Mind is easy. In 2017, I had a bad psychotic breakdown which lead to a hospital admission and my life falling to pieces. As a result, I had to learn how to do life again and rebuild myself so I could take on normal activities and function in the world. I have been left with at times, crippling anxiety and frequent panic attacks which I manage.
At the time of my break down I was not aware of the services and outreach programmes that Solent Mind facilitate. Knowledge is power in recovering from acute breakdowns and managing ongoing mental health problems, and I love the fact that Solent Mind offer this education and support to help people and their families.
My biggest therapy in my recovery and to maintain a healthy state of mind was and is to walk. So, I thought I would use my maternity leave constructively and get George out in the fresh air to walk so beautiful countryside whilst raising money for a charity with a cause close to my heart. So far, I have covered just over 25 miles so just over halfway. I plan to finish the walk next weekend on bank holiday Monday, and am hoping friends and family will come to join me for the final few miles on that day.
If you want to donate to George, Ginger, and Emma's fundraiser here.
Do you have an idea for a fundraising challenge you can do to raise money? Email our team, fundraising@solentmind.org.uk to find out how we can support you.
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