Danny Potter, Firemind’s Creative Lead, talk’s us through his own challenges and why Mind is a great cause to fundraise for:

“Keeping mentally healthy can be challenging. Like many other people, the UK lockdown had me isolated in my flat with little interaction with the outside world. And as much as the company quizzes and calls were fun, it couldn’t replace the office hustle and vibe.

Personally, exercise has always been part of my life. Gym and running, even for 15 or so minutes were minutes where I only focused on sweating like a pig!

Hitting that distance, achieving that time, or reaching that weight are small achievements but have a big impact on your mindset. Having something to work towards kept me focused away from anything negative or Covid-19 related.

And now, by doing 100 miles for mind this month, it’s a great way to not only spread the awareness about mental health, it’s also a great way for me to keep up with looking out for my own mental health.”

Vix Johnson, Operations Manager at Firemind, talk’s us through her own challenges and why Mind is a great cause to fundraise for:

“My own involvement with Mind came after I was diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder and Depression in my mid-twenties. They provided lots of useful resources and signposted services that I was able to benefit from in my recovery and that I continue to refer to now to stay well.

I became a Time to Change Champion as part of an initiative between Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, a campaign to end the stigma that surrounds mental health and challenge attitudes. Through this I delivered talks and workshops to colleagues and the public covering my own experiences and helping provide information and support to others.

Now, I am a qualified Mental Health First Aider, and I love being able to help others with their own wellbeing, especially within my job. Mind are an invaluable organisation and I will be forever grateful for their presence and ongoing support.”

Laura Potter, Project Manager at Firemind, talk’s us through her own challenges and why Mind is a great cause to fundraise for:

“6 years ago I was at my lowest, I thought I was fat (I was far from it), I was unhealthy and just feeling crap. I joined the gym to get into shape and overcome confidence issues I had.

Now I look back and even though I still have days where I want to shut myself off from the world, I feel happier, more healthy and confident to achieve what I want. The gym has helped me immensely, its my fortress of solitude in a chaotic world!”