Jess Free

GLOW up London with Mental Health UK

I’m walking in memory of my sister, Emily.

On 11 October, I’ll be lighting up London as part of GLOW – a vibrant sponsored walk shining a light on mental health. I’m proud to be supporting Mental Health UK, a charity that provides life-changing support to people across the UK affected by mental health challenges.

I’m walking for my sister, Emily, who we lost to suicide in August 2022. She was nearing the end of her degree at Lancaster University, working on her dissertation. She was unapologetically herself — fiercely bright, incredibly funny, and always thinking of others. She was her own worst critic, but to us, she was everything.

There’s a quote by Robin Williams that reminds me of her:

“I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy because they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless and they don’t want anyone else to feel like that.”

That was Em. She made people feel seen, safe, and loved — often while quietly fighting her own battles.

With your help, we can turn London’s iconic streets into a celebration of hope, strength, and solidarity. Every donation powers vital services, helplines, and resources — helping ensure no one faces a mental health problem alone.

Let’s light the way to a future where mental health is valued, supported, and spoken about openly.

Please donate if you can — and thank you for being part of this movement.