David Bowen-Davies
My Story
This year I will be running the London Marathon in support of The University of Bristol’s Healthy Minds programme.
To explain why, I would like to share my story with you. It’s deeply personal and has been tough to write, but I want to provide some context for why I’m running and asking for donations.
Throughout my teens and early 20s my mother faced a long and difficult battle with alcoholism.
The impact this had on my her, my family, and me was enormous. Personally, I just didn’t know how to process the anxiety, sadness, and pain whilst trying to get through exams and maintain the outward appearance of a happy, healthy teenager.
For a long time, I spoke to no one about it - partly because I felt ashamed, partly because I thought they wouldn't understand, and partly because I didn’t know where (or how) to access support.
Truth be told, I wasn’t aware if there even was any at the time.
During my time at university, the sense of isolation and feelings of worthlessness led to the development of an eating disorder and some very dark times over a 5 year period.
Looking back now I’m amazed I got through it, but I'm happpy and proud that I did.
Who knows how different my lowest ebbs might have been with the right support whilst at university, but it would definitely have given me hope knowing there was some available.
Happily, this story is one of hope, not despair - we have the mother I knew growing up back and The University of Bristol now offers mental health support to students through the Healthy Minds programme.
The programme - which can be accessed free of charge by students in need thanks to donations from the public - provides a range of support to boost psychological, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
Services like this have the power to change, and even save, lives.
This is why I'm asking for donations to help find a service which I wish I had access to when I needed it most.
I know times are tough financially right now, but any and all donations to this worthwhile cause would be gratefully received by the Healthy Minds programme.
A donation would also mean a lot personally because running in this amazing event is going to be an emotional reminder of how how far I’ve come and how different things might have been.
Big love if you’ve read this far and thanks in advance for your support!
David