Melissa Engelhardt

Fundraising for Mental Health UK

Dear friends, family, colleagues, 

Global demand for mental health services is rising, yet stigma around mental health conditions, along with the accessibility and affordability of treatments, remains a significant challenge. Depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, and addiction can be deeply paralysing for the individuals experiencing them, while also having a profound impact on families, friendships, and livelihoods.

I too have faced mental health challenges, but I’ve been incredibly privileged to have a strong support network. Growing up with a psychiatrist as a mother, having a best friend who became a psychiatrist, and having worked at a psychiatric hospital myself, I’ve never felt shame about seeking help when I needed it. I’ve had both the social safety net and the financial means to access support. In my life, however, I’ve also seen people who weren’t as fortunate suffer in silence and sometimes disappear into that silence.

That’s why I’m running a marathon to support the work of Mental Health UK. They provide accessible resources, support services, and advocacy that make a real difference in people’s lives. They help individuals navigate crises, understand their mental health, and take steps towards recovery—all while breaking down the stigma that prevents so many from seeking help in the first place. By supporting Mental Health UK, you’re directly contributing to better mental health support for everyone, regardless of background or financial circumstances.

Admittedly, I might also be running for Mental Health UK to pre-emptively disarm my therapist from asking why I think I need to run a marathon—but that’s a topic for another session. Until then, I thank you for supporting me and this cause, and will continue my slightly pathetic dopamine hunt on Strava.

Thank you, and much love,