Hi all, I’m Niamh. I am 24 years old from Ballylooby, Co. Tipperary.

This year will be my third Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. I completed the previous 2 with my friend Orna who is my comfort blanket so to speak! She recently moved to Canada and this will be my first mini marathon without her.

In her absence I have promised to continue raising funds for Mental Health Ireland as we have done together in previous years.

I’ve recently joined our local park run in Clonmel with my mother. It’s a fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning and a great way to build up my fitness for the mini marathon and it’s great for the mind!

Thankfully I have not been directly affected by suicide but I feel there is more we can do as a society to prevent suicide and address mental health issues and with the right fundraising, we can tackle this issue.

It’s a fantastic feeling crossing the finish line and every clap, cheer and word of encouragement along the way from both men and women is phenomenal.

I can’t wait to cross the line with my mother this year. This will be her first mini marathon. I hope you’re reading mam because if you weren’t convinced to do it yet, here it is in writing!