UCFB students Meg Howarth and Libbie Strutt are taking on the challenge of running 27 miles in 27 days in March, as a gesture of support and solidarity for the 27% of university students who report suffering with mental health issues each year.

The pair are raising money for the charity MIND, who offer advice and support for anyone struggling with mental health problems, and campaign to improve services and raise awareness.

Given the mental health emergency the Coronavirus pandemic has sparked, Meg and Libbie, who both study the BA (Hons) Stadium & Events Management programme, were eager to do something to demonstrate their support for fellow students during this difficult time.

Meg, who is captain of UCFB’s Wembley netball team, said: “I think it’s so important to raise awareness of the issue surrounding the mental health of students. More than one in four students are suffering with mental health issues and I think the number will be larger now due to the pandemic.”

She added: “MIND is an amazing charity that supports people suffering with mental health issues and this is a wonderful opportunity to raise money and awareness for a great cause!”

Both students admit that 27 miles in the same number of days is a daunting challenge, and far further than either have ran before, but they’re willing to put on their trainers knowing they’ll help each other along the way.

Libbie, President of UCFB’s Wembley Students’ Union, said: “It will be difficult but having Meg by my side will support me and we’ll be able to keep each other motivated. The charity MIND is something very close to my heart, and I wanted to undertake this fundraiser to push myself.”

She added: “This will be a challenge for us both but like I always say, what doesn’t challenge you doesn’t change you!”

Click here to donate to Meg and Libbie’s fundraising page.