An inspiring group of runners took part in the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival this weekend and collectively raised more than £7,000 for Solent Mind.

The city’s iconic event marked its 11th year on Sunday 3 May, drawing thousands of runners into the heart of the city to take on the full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K races.

Among those running on the day was an incredible team of fundraisers taking on the challenge in aid of Solent Mind. Together, they have raised more than £7,000, and donations are still coming in.

Gina, one of Solent Mind’s fundraisers, took on the half marathon route, and said it was about giving back to the charity that supported her as a teenager. Running in the annual event for the second consecutive year, she said: “When I was 17, I suffered with chronic depression and found daily life overwhelming. I had support from Solent Mind’s Mayfield Garden Centre, which really helped. To have the opportunity to give back, means so much to me, and knowing I’m supporting mental health while I run, always spurs me on to get across that finish line!”

Sally Arscott, Solent Mind’s CEO, also ran the half marathon to raise money for our charity and said it was part of her personal commitment to ensuring people can access mental support when they need it. She said: “It’s been 25 years since I last ran 13 miles, and in the lead-up to today’s event I’ve been pounding the streets 3-4 times a week to get race fit and help support mental health in Hampshire.”

Gaynor Jordan-Davis, Fundraising Manager at Solent Mind, added: “On behalf of everyone at Solent Mind, I want to extend a huge thank you to all our ABP Southampton Marathon Festival fundraisers. Their dedication, determination and generosity are truly inspiring, and we are so proud to have such amazing champions of mental health in our community.

“The thousands of pounds they have raised will make a real difference in our local community, helping us ensure mental health support is always available for those who need it most.”

If you would like to sign up to next year’s ABP Southampton Marathon or take part in another challenge in aid of Solent Mind, head to www.solentmind.org.uk/support-us/fundraising/challenge/.

Take on a challenge

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