Fundraisers
Although we’re affiliated to the national charity Mind, we are an independent charity, run by local people. We have to raise our own money to fund our services and provide support to the people of Harlow, Epping Forest and Uttlesford. This why your support, through fundraising and donations, is so important to us.
Your support helps us to be here for our community, now and in the future. Every penny raised locally, for Mind in West Essex, is spent locally – so, when you support us, you’re helping your friends, family and neighbours.
We often find that fundraisers aren’t aware that we are separate to the national charity Mind and that funds raised for Mind don’t go to us or stay in this community. So, if you would like to support mental health services here, fundraise for Mind in West Essex – like these amazing people below!
Naomi Oiku: London Marathon 2026
Naomi Oiku says running has played an important role in supporting her mental health. So when she decided to use her 2026 London Marathon place to support a local charity, we sprang to mind.
The 33-year-old audio producer – who works in radio, podcasts and events – was preparing for her first marathon as a personal challenge after receiving a place through her work in December.
When she won a £750 donation to a charity of her choice in a recent competition, Naomi started her fundraiser for us.
I’ve struggled with my mental health at times and running has been like a form of therapy, to get out there and clear my head. I’ve had counselling in the past, but I know a lot of people struggle with their mental health, and it’s about trying to encourage them to seek that help.
“Growing up in Harlow, and knowing what an important service they provide, I wanted it to go to Mind in West Essex.”
Naomi, who now lives in Eastbourne but still has family in Harlow, only recently started focusing on the London Marathon as she had been competing in other distance events.
She is currently midway through conquering the SuperHalfs, a series of six half-marathons across Europe, which she was introduced to through friends at Harlow Running Club.
Naomi has already ticked off Lisbon, Valencia and most recently Berlin, in March. She will run in Copenhagen in September and hopes to do the Prague and Cardiff races next year.
“I feel like I’ve got the running ‘bug’ now… It’s so good because you get to meet loads of new people as well, and I think the training’s been better when I’ve run with people as opposed to doing it on my own,” she said.
She has stepped up her training since the Berlin event, recently running 22 miles in London followed by another half-marathon.
The countdown is on to the iconic event on Sunday, April 26. If you’d like to show Naomi your support and give her some extra motivation, you can donate on her fundraising page: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/naomi-oiku
Suzanne Leader: London Marathon 2026
Saffron Walden’s Suzanne Leader, who works in children’s mental health for the NHS, is running the 2026 London Marathon in support of Mind in West Essex.
It will be Suzanne’s first marathon (what an event to do it in!) and by fundraising for us, she is supporting a cause close to her heart personally and professionally.
The 56-year-old said:
Mind in West Essex is an incredible charity and is at the heart of my achievements, sadness and grief. I have not only worked in children’s mental health for many years, but it has touched me very personally with the heart-wrenching loss of my sister to suicide.
Suzanne has overcome physical challenges to take on the marathon next April – despite being told by a surgeon she’d never run again.
She has had both of her big toes fused due to “debilitating” arthritis and been diagnosed with a connective tissue disease.
But Suzanne “loves a challenge” and has completed three triathlons, a half-marathon and a 100km charity bike ride.
Now, the mum of 2 sons, aged 23 and 25, is training for a marathon after winning our charity place in our ballot.
Suzanne said:
I’m determined to raise as much as I can for this incredible cause helping people with their mental health in my local community.
Suzanne had a setback in her training after injuring her hamstring. However, she is back on track now as she steps up her preparation for the marathon in April.
You can show your support by donating here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.
