This August and September I will be participating in two half marathons; one in London (Richmond Park Half Marathon) and one back home in East Lothian (the Scottish Half) where the Teapot Trust headquarters have been based since the charity was founded by the wonderful Young family in 2010.

Working as a healthcare professional I have long been passionate about the importance of caring for mental wellbeing alongside physical health, and this is exactly what Teapot Trust promotes. The art therapy organised by Teapot Trust has an overwhelmingly positive impact on the mental health of those who participate - both children who are living with long-term medical conditions, and also their family members.

The work which the charity does is incredibly close to my heart; sparking conversations around mental health and ways of developing positive coping strategies has always been important to me - particularly during my time as a Wellbeing Officer at university. Experience working on a brain tumour ward at a children's hospital helped me see first hand how creative activities allow young people to express themselves in a manner which is not dictated solely by their diagnosis and the treatment they are receiving.

I would hugely appreciate any donation amount - big or small - that will enable Teapot Trust to reach even more people with their transformative art therapy! Thank you :)

Charlotte Dines