Thank you to our incredible Oxford Half Marathon runners
A team of 50 runners put their best foot forwards during the Oxford Half Marathon on 12th October by raising more than £11,000 for Response.
The group joined thousands of others in completing the city’s scenic 13.1-mile route and smashed their £8,750 fundraising target just hours after we marked World Mental Health Day.
Funds will be dedicated to supporting our work as the region’s largest independent mental health charity working with up to 550 people experiencing critical mental illness by operating more than 200 shared, self-contained and single person houses and flats.
It comes at a time where data from the British Medical Association revealed approximately one in four adults in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.
Furthermore, one in 100 will live with a severe mental illness linked to a significantly shorter life expectancy.
Of the funds raised by Response’s team of runners, £100 can be used to provide a person experiencing homelessness with a place to feel safe and warm, while £30 can deliver mental health support for a young person leaving care.
Emma Murphy, our Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, said: “Across the UK, demand for mental health support is higher than ever, and Oxfordshire is feeling that pressure too.
“Cases of poor mental health are rising, which is why the work of Response and the Oxford Mental Health Partnership Group to support those with minor to critical symptoms is so important.
“We are so grateful to every person who completed this year’s Oxford Half Marathon in support of our work. It will make a tangible difference to the lives of people living in our care, and support those experiencing poor mental health in recovering from their illness.
“Ultimately, we want every person living with mental health issues and complex needs to live their lives to the full. The inspirational efforts of our team from Sunday will help achieve this and we thank them for, literally, going the extra mile in support of our work.”
