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If anyone has had the pleasure (misfortune) of running with me, you'll know how much of a challenge a half marathon is going to be.

I was never a runner. In fact, I think my stubborn younger self would refuse to take school cross country seriously and would walk around the track gossiping, much to the fury of PE teachers.

However, somewhere along the way I developed a love for the solitariness of jogs, listening to music, reflecting on the world, and of course getting good exercise.

Signing up for a half marathon is a huge deal for me. However, I like to believe anyone can do anything if they set their mind to it and want to do it enough. Nothing is out of reach or impossible.

I'm also doing it for an amazing cause. Mind say they "won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect" and that they "listen, act and understand". Mental illness can be just as debilitating as a physical illness, so we need to get rid of the stigma attached to it, understand it, be more open and help people who are suffering internally.

I have been close to a couple of special people who have suffered with mental illness at points in their lives, and I think we all do and/or will do at some stage, so I feel the power of the cause inside me and that's why I feel it's so significant. It's not just about running. It's a statement for change in our approach to mental health.

All the above is why the amazing surprise video made by my friends and family was utterly overwhelming. I have to give huge heartfelt thanks and appreciation to my flatmate Caroline Bass for the thoughtful and deeply kind idea - testament to her character - to Sam Bateman for the slick production, and to each individual for taking the time to wish me luck in their own way, whether in London, Washington DC, Switzerland, Halifax, or Sudan...

To donate before Sunday go to: www.justgiving.com/Danya-Bazaraa/.