NHS worker takes on 874-mile run to raise money for mental health charity Heads On

Jade Wood, who works for Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust (SCFT), has raised £630 so far for mental health charity Heads On as she takes on the challenge to run the equivalent of the 874 miles between Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

She wants to help Heads On, the official charity of specialist mental health provider Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, because her dad, Peter, was supported by the trust’s Harold Kidd Unit, in Chichester, after the 71-year-old was diagnosed with dementia.

Jade, a proactive care co-ordinator for the Coastal and South Downs Community Team, said: “I want to help Heads On because they support the staff who’ve provided amazing care for my dad.

“I hope the money I raise will not only support the Unit but all of the mental health services supported by the charity in Sussex.”

The 34-year-old, who lives and works in Worthing, took up running seven years ago but only started doing it properly when the second lockdown was introduced in December.

She said: “I find it helps so much with my mental health and really makes me feel better about myself.

“I’m not a member of any running groups. I just like going out on my own and listening to my music. It’s the best therapy!”

Jade decided to take her interest to a higher level when she read a social media post about running the length of Britain.

She said: “I thought to myself ‘I’d love to do that’.

I love challenging myself. I know it’s a huge challenge but I think I can do it.”

Although she admits her challenge was slow to get off the starting blocks, Jade has now clocked up more than 180 miles and is aiming to do 72 miles every month, completing more in the summer.

She said: “I’m finding the challenge is motivating me to get out and about.

“I’ve been running home from work and near my home, making the most of the seafront in the nice weather.”

To donate, visit Jade’s JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jadewoodlejog

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