From start to finish line: Hannah’s reasons for running, cycling and swimming for the MMHA

We asked Hannah a few questions to understand her journey and learn more about her reasons for fundraising for the MMHA...

What inspired you to take on a triathlon for the MMHA?

I was inspired to fundraise for the MMHA as a way to remember and honour a close friend who sadly died by suicide following a year-long battle with postpartum psychosis.

Through supporting my friend, I was exposed to the realities and challenges of maternal mental illness, the various services that are in contact with individuals needing support and treatment, some of the fantastic facilities and professionals available to new mothers and, sadly, some of the significant shortfalls too.

I saw, for example, the difference between a general adult mental health ward versus a specialist mother and baby unit (MBU). I didn’t even know MBUs existed until my friend became unwell. Truth be told, I didn’t even know they were needed since this was my first exposure to anything like this!

Before she was finally admitted to a MBU, my friend spent a period of time in a general adult mental health facility. Being reunited with her baby was so important for her recovery and the staff were notably able to support her in ways she really needed. As a visitor, I experienced these differences firsthand and it’s had a lasting impact on me.

Also, over time I’ve come to learn about various missed opportunities for my friend to access appropriate support sooner. We will never know what would have been, but I can’t help but feel like the sooner the intervention for mental illness, the better. Just like any physical illness.

The MMHA exists to tackle both issues and ensure that all new and expectant mums can access the care they need. They campaign for high-quality specialist perinatal mental health services to be available for everyone who needs them, and to ‘make all care count’ during and after pregnancy to encourage early diagnosis and intervention.

After witnessing the devastating impact of not having the right support at the right time, I wanted to help fundraise for the MMHA. It can quite literally be lifesaving.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your training, and how did you overcome them?

In my experience, I wouldn’t actually describe training for the triathlon as a ‘challenge’ – it was therapeutic! It gave me a healthy, positive outlet for my grief. Of course, there were days I didn’t want to go for a run, or dreaded getting into the cold pool, but I knew I’d feel better for it.

The transition from the bike to the run is also pretty memorable. My legs were SO HEAVY. I was feeling a bit flat about missing out on my time target and knew I still had the run to do. And then I saw my son and daughter. They were on the top of the hill looking out for me and I could see them cheer as they saw me approaching. It gave me renewed energy right when I needed it most! From that point, I continued the run knowing they’ll be at the finish line to celebrate with me and that was something I knew it was worth continuing to push through for.

As hoped, they were indeed at the finishing line. In fact, they joined me a few metres before and we crossed the line together!

How did you find the fundraising process?

My friends, family and work colleagues have been incredibly supportive – it’s been very touching. I’ve been open about the fact I’m taking part in memory of my friend and people have been receptive, asking questions about her illness or the the MMHA, all of which is helping to raise much-needed awareness as well as funds.

Within hours of launching my fundraising page I had already reached my initial £250 target. I was so surprised by the incredibly generous donations! On reflection, I believe it’s testament to how many individuals have been impacted by maternal mental health problems in some way, and understand the importance and impact of the work the MMHA do.

The final amount raised was £1,140 which is incredible!

Do you have any advice for someone considering a fundraising challenge?

I’m not sure if I’m expert enough to offer advice here... everyone’s situations and motivations will be different. However, I can share that I’ve found this to be a really positive and helpful thing to do. There can be trauma involved when experiencing maternal mental illness, and for those supporting them through it. Channelling that into a physical challenge, exercise and staying healthy has been a helpful way to navigate through that.

Taking part in the triathlon was just as much about supporting my own mental health as it was raising money for the MMHA. I’d set myself small targets to start such as:

• "just put your trainers on and leave the house"
• "do a 20 minute walk"
• "go for a swim, even if it's only 10 minutes"

Then, I’d journal those achievements. As time went on, my targets progressed but they were always achievable and I’d often take a picture to capture the moment. It wasn’t about what I was doing physically, for me, it was creating opportunities to support and congratulate myself – something we can loose in difficult times. It was a mental journey, as well as a physical one.

With this in mind, the fundraising activity I chose in the first place was deliberately something I knew was a physical challenge but was realistically possible for me to do! This allowed it to be a positive experience. I considered the Three Peaks Challenge, for example, but decided that was unrealistic to train for right now. Perhaps another time…

Thanks to Hannah's commitment, hard work and generosity, the MMHA can continue to make a significant difference in the lives of women and families impacted by maternal mental illness. We are hugely grateful for her support.

If you feel inspired by Hannah's story, please find ways you can get involved in our work.