Charlotte Priest

Charlotte’s LLHM for Mental Health UK

I'm taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Mental Health UK!

On 10th April 2025, I laced up my trainers and took the first step on a journey that’s become so much more than just running. That day, I started the Couch to 5K programme — something I never imagined I’d stick with. Just one week later, on 17th April, I ran my first 5K. Every run became a small victory, not just for my physical health, but for my mental well-being too.

After weeks of commitment and perseverance, I completed the Couch to 5K programme on 14th June. Just a month later, on 13th July, I ran my first 10K — a personal milestone that felt unimaginable just a few months before. And now, I’ve set my sights on the London Landmarks Half Marathon — running in support of Mental Health UK.

Mental health is a cause very close to my heart. I have only spoken about the depths of this to a small circle of close family & friends - so what better time to open up and raise some pennies for charity…

I live with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) — a condition that’s often misunderstood. OCD isn’t just about being neat or organised. It’s a mental health disorder characterised by intrusive, unwanted thoughts(obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) that are carried out in an attempt to relieve the distress they cause. These thoughts can be frightening, exhausting, and incredibly isolating.

For me, OCD has had a huge impact on my quality of life — affecting relationships, work, and self-esteem. Intrusive thoughts can be relentless, often centering around fears or ideas that feel completely out of my control. Over time, the mental struggle began to manifest physically too. My compulsive rituals — originally intended to relieve the anxiety — became harmful, and at times included self-destructive behaviours. It’s a cycle that can feel impossible to break, leaving you feeling trapped in your own mind and body. But running has offered me a small but powerful release — a moment of peace, a sense of control, and a reminder of what my mind and body can achieve together.

I’m running this half marathon to raise awareness and funds for Mental Health UK, who support people facing mental health challenges, including those living with OCD. Their work is vital in helping individuals access the right support, feel understood, and know they’re not alone.

If you can, please consider supporting my journey — whether through a donation, a share, or a kind word. Every bit helps and means the world.

Together, we can make a difference. Join us in fundraising for Mental Health UK and be a catalyst for change in the fight for mental wellness. Every donation, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to a world where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. Let's turn awareness into action and create a brighter future for all!