Sophie’s marathon mission for mental health
Struggling with her mental health, Sophie turned to running – and used her newfound passion to support other staff in a similar situation.
Working in cancer services in 2021, Sophie found it increasingly difficult to cope with the demands of her role during the challenges of the pandemic.
“I didn’t have the strength anymore. I wasn’t handling my stress well at all”. Sophie sought the support of a psychologist who visited her department weekly as part of the Trust’s charity-funded staff wellbeing programme, which offers a range of tailored support services. “She encouraged me to get out of the house and get active, and it changed everything,” says Sophie.
From never running before, she did couch to 5k – and ambitiously signed up for the 2022 London Marathon.
“I wanted a long-term goal to keep me running and help keep my mental health in check. And to run for Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity felt very full circle.”
“Two years ago, I would have never imagined that I could run the London Marathon. Having done so, I genuinely believe there’s absolutely nothing I can't do.”
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