RunBritain Day 14: From Sandwich to Folkestone

A big aim of Run Britain is to help encourage people struggling with their mental health to reach out to The Samaritans. Poor mental health can feel like a lonely place and the volunteers at The Samaritans are incredible at helping you feel less alone.

Today as I sobbed on a bench in Dover, overwhelmed with the physical challenge of running around the coast in the winter, I wasn’t alone. After a couple of minutes of crying, a young man called Mason (who I don’t know and will likely never meet again) came and put his arm around me. “No one should be on their own when they’re sad,” he said to me. Which is exactly what Run Britain is all about.

The route between Sandwich and Folkestone, specifically the cliffs up and down into and out of Dover, are challenging. Especially when it’s windy and raining and cold.

But I got through it and made it to Folkestone Harbour for a cup of tea and a brownie in a coffee shop with lots of books in. I’ve made it to the end of week two and am going to give myself a proper breather from the planning and writing and logistics of it all to enjoy a weekend with Harry and my family. But there’s no respite from the running.