A STUDENT is taking on the Oxford Half Marathon to raise money and awareness for charity, so that more people can get the mental health support they need.

Pete Young, 33, who is a PhD student at the University of Oxford, will be running on October 16 to raise money for Mind, a charity that works in Oxfordshire's local communities to help people with mental health problems.

He hopes to raise as much money as possible to help out the charity, so that more people can access their services.

 

Founded in 2010, the Oxford Half sees runners take on a flat 13.1 mile route that begins in the city centre and passes through Old Marston, down the River Cherwell, through the University of Oxford’s Lady Margaret Hall, before finally finishing in Parks Road.

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Mr Young, who moved to Oxford from the US, said: “I had my fair share of difficulties during the pandemic and dealing with a break-up – I was processing a lot of the things that happened to me and I was an emotional wreck for months.

“I was fortunate enough to be a student at the University of Oxford, and I could access all the help that I needed – but I know there’s so many people going through similar things who are not as fortunate as I am and there’s others who are dealing with problems in their daily lives and with the cost of living crisis, not everyone will be able to access the help they need.”

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pete-young-ox-half

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi