Getting active does great things for our mental health, so by taking on a challenge in aid of Solent Mind, you too will feel the benefits! Find out more
This year, Casey is taking on 10k at the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival in support of Solent Mind. She'll be running alongside a whole team of family members, united by love, remembrance and a shared determination to make a difference.
This year, Casey is taking on 10k at the ABP Southampton Marathon in support of Solent Mind, alongside a whole team of family members, united by love, remembrance and a shared determination to make a difference.
Casey isn’t new to the annual Southampton running event. She ran in 2025 too, alongside her fiancé, sister and brother-in-law - and this year, the team is even bigger.
Joining Casey on the start line will be her fiancé, mum, stepdad, brother, sister-in-law and brother-in-law. For them, the day is about much more than miles and medals.
It’s about family.
On New Year’s Day 2025, Casey and her family sadly lost her uncle John.
“He loved to run and was very sporty and active,” Casey shares. “So we wanted to do something he loved to raise money.”
Taking part in the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival has become a meaningful way to honour him.
“We like to do this as a family so we can use the day to remember him and keep his name spoken about. I think it’s something we will try to do every year for him alongside our charity golf day in September - again for Solent Mind.”
By coming together each year, they’re not only keeping John’s memory alive, but creating space to talk about him, celebrate him and channel their grief into something positive.
Sign up to run in the ABP Southampton Festival 2026The decision to support Solent Mind is deeply personal.
“We have chosen to run for Solent Mind as the charity itself is amazing in supporting people with their mental health. Our uncle John took his own life and felt like he had no one to talk to.”
The impact of his loss has been felt across the whole family.
“This as a family has affected us all so much and we never want someone to experience what we have. By contributing to Solent Mind, we hope we will make a difference to so many people.”
Through their fundraising, they hope to help ensure that more people know support is available and that no one feels alone.
Preparation is already underway.
“We have started our training! We have been doing a few little runs a week. However, we push ourselves the closer it gets to the main event. We love to go out to the forest, headphones in, and we try to get faster on each run!”
For Casey and her family, training is another way to spend time together, focused on a shared goal.
Having experienced the ABP Southampton Marathon atmosphere before, Casey knows just how special the day can be.
“The atmosphere is just amazing! We met some lovely people on the way round last year. Everyone is so chatty, so happy to be there, so supportive and it makes the whole experience so much better!”
And that finish line moment?
“Crossing the finish line last year was just so much fun and we did it for an amazing cause. It was such a special day, and we were all talking about our uncle John.”
“Do it at your own pace. Being there on the day and surrounded by so many people makes it feel so enjoyable and an experience you cannot explain until you are there!”
By running together, remembering together, and fundraising together, Casey and her family are turning heartbreak into hope – helping Solent Mind continue providing life-changing mental health support across our community.
Has Casey’s story inspired you to take on a challenge for Solent Mind? Sign up to the marathon now and choose your distance from 5K, 10K, a half marathon or a full marathon.
Getting active does great things for our mental health, so by taking on a challenge in aid of Solent Mind, you too will feel the benefits! Find out more
