Carley Maxim, one of the Kernos Centre counsellors, ran in the Manchester marathon, in April 2024, to raise money for the Centre. One of a record number of over 30,000 participants taking the iconic Trafford Arch start line, she finished in 4 hours 52 minutes, and raised over £1,000, in the process.
Carley is now doing it again, this time running the Brighton Marathon, saying, “I feel passionately about mental health. I’m undergoing my training now and it’s intense. During the week I’m out running 5.30-6.30am, three times a week; at the weekend, I’m increasing the distance each time – so this weekend, I’m running 14 miles. The marathon is 26.2 miles.
“Last year I ran my first marathon in Manchester. This training is time-consuming and the event is mind-blowing. I remember I cried and I wanted to give up, but you somehow keep pushing. I reminded myself why I was doing it, and giving up, for me, is never an option. I’m a survivor and I felt like an underachiever growing up, but now I’m me and I can achieve, as my self-worth and self-belief are where I want them to be.
“The money raised will be used to allow sessions for individuals to have 1-1, counselling. It costs the Kernos Centre £40 per session, to be cover all the oveheads, and Kernos does not get support from the NHS. We do have donations from some people but this only covers a certain percentage of what a session costs to run.
“I am a counsellor for Kernos and I see first-hand the support it offers people. They are also fortunate to have a great volunteer team that allow the costs to keep sustainable.
“Please help me raise money to provide 1-1 counselling for a child or adult who needs this service.”
