Hannah's marathon run

Hannah, 19, has taken on the incredible challenge of running the 2025 London Marathon to raise funds for us. Passionate about mental health, she has been actively involved in youth voice work, advocating for better support and safe spaces for young people to go when they need help. 

“I chose to support the Children's Society as it's a charity that I've worked alongside before, so I first came into the charity in 2021 and did work with children in mental health.” 

“I think a lot of people find it hard to talk about their mental health. I think it's quite a nerve wracking topic that's not talked about enough and there are not enough safe spaces for young people to go.” 

“To prepare for the race, I'm running three times a week. Then I also train in the gym with my coach.” 

You can support Hannah’s marathon run by donating to her Just Giving page.

Hannah recently visited the Time for young people Newham hub — our new emotional wellbeing support space for young people in the area. Here she met the staff and talked through why it is so important to have a space where children can go without a referral to talk and seek help. Mental health waiting lists are at an all-time high.

"I'm glad there are places like this where young people can just go straight into and have help there on the day."

I think it's definitely really valuable.

It is just a few days until the London Marathon 2025. Hannah has attended The Children's Society training day and met other supporters running for the same cause. She is feeling inspired as her journey draws to an end.

"I am so excited to run for The Children's Society. I'm thankful for being able to share my main motivation for children's mental health while running the marathon as well. I hope it is quite inspiring. I know as I am on that start line I'm going to be thinking about the hub, and all the work that goes on there.

I am really excited but really nervous at the same time.