James spoke with fellow Marathon runner and Black Country Mental Health (BCMH) service user Nikki Wilkinson today, as both prepare for to run the London Marathon on 3rd October.
Nikki told James about how running had helped to improve her mental health, after suffering from anxiety and depression for many years, and last year she took part in the virtual London Marathon. James and Nikki talked about their training regimes as they prepare for what will be a third marathon for both. James and Nikki are also regular listeners of the podcast Marathon Talk.
“I’m entering the final stages of my preparation for the marathon", said James, "so it was really interesting to talk to a fellow runner and to see someone else putting themselves through a similar intensive regime and disciplined diet, ahead of what will be a gruelling few hours!
“Nikki’s story was very inspiring and I really appreciated her taking the time to share it with me. It was so pleasing to see how the money that is being raised through the Marathon can be put to good use, so that more service users can find a hobby to give them a renewed focus and sense of purpose.”
Nikki added, “I’ve been going to BCMH for a few years, and it’s taught be to be more open with my mental health issues. They understand how it feels and you never get judged. I took up running ten years ago and fell in love with it as it was helping me, and it’s helped me to make new friends. It’s been my dream to run the London Marathon since I was a little girl; I am nervous but I’m also very determined, as I’m raising funds to help people like myself.”
James is running to raise money for BCMH, formerly Dudley MIND, to support their work in helping mental health patients with peer support services and various activity groups. Anyone wishing to sponsor him should head to his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-morris35
