Manchester Woman Runs 30 Races in 12 Months for Mental Health Awareness
Emma Bramwell of Manchester is just three races away from completing her 30-race challenge in memory of her brother, Adam, who tragically took his own life in 2016 having battled with mental health problems for several years.
Running to raise funds for Mind, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide and Mental Health Research UK, Emma has recently completed the Simplyhealth Great North Run with Team Mind, and, with just three races to go, will culminate her 30-race challenge by taking part in the New York Marathon on 4th November.
Emma’s other upcoming races include the Manchester Half Marathon on 14 October and Glow in the Park on 27 October.
Emma said:
“My brother, Adam, was a talented and hilarious guy, who lived life to the full and was unafraid of speaking out. Tragically, however, after battling with anxiety, he took his own life in April 2016, aged just 27."
“It would have been his 30th birthday in November and I decided I needed to complete my ‘30 for 30’ challenge to mark this day."
“It’s certainly not an easy challenge, and I found that I was dealing with my own anxieties in the build up to the Simplyhealth Great North Run this month, however, the sense of achievement after completing each race, and the funds raised for these great charities, makes it all so worthwhile."
“Although the stigma that surrounds mental health is gradually subsiding, there is still more to be done, which is why I am running for three mental health charities. It won’t bring Adam back, but I hope that the funds I raise – with support from Adam’s friends along the way – will make a difference to somebody else’s life and support much-needed support services and research.”
Karen Bolton, Head of Community and Events Fundraising at Mind, said:
"People like Emma are truly inspirational. Finding a way to help others following such an intense and personal tragedy takes real strength and commitment, and we can’t thank Emma enough."
“We know Emma is not alone in finding that physical activity can be incredibly rewarding. Our supporters have told us that being physically active can really boost mental wellbeing, and that outdoor exercise is especially beneficial."
“Over the last four years, more than 7,000 Mind supporters have taken part in a Great Run series event and we are delighted that so many have returned this year alongside the new runners joining Team Mind. We hope that being the official charity partner for the Simplyhealth Great Run Series will help us reach a point where anyone with a mental health problem feels able to ask for, and access, the help they need."
“Every penny raised will fund our vital work including our Mind Infoline, information and advice services, and our campaigning work to secure a better deal for the one in four of us who experience a mental health problem every year.”
To sponsor Emma and to find out more about her reasons for running, visit her blog
The Simplyhealth Great Run Series - the UK’s biggest mass participation running series – features 30 events across ten cities including Edinburgh, Manchester, London, Newcastle, Bristol and Portsmouth – and there’s still time to sign up and run for Team Mind in the Great South Run this October.
For more information and to register for Team Mind visit Mind/Simply Health
