Tag Archives: fundraising

17 April 2024

Go #TeamAPP! Introducing our 2024 TCS London Marathon runners

We're so excited to have four fabulous runners taking part in the world famous TCS London Marathon this year.

On Sunday 21st April, APP supporters Lauren-Nicole, Rebecca, Luke and Lee will be lining up alongside 40,000 runners as part of this epic event.

Lauren-Nicole headshotLauren-Nicole is an award winning writer and actress who is passionate about raising awareness of PP. Her play BABYNUN XO follows the stories of five sisters as one explores the impact of PP which unites and fractures them further. You can read more about Lauren-Nicole here.

Lauren-Nicole is a first time marathon runner. She says: 'I know if I think about the reason I am running and the charity I am raising money for it will absolutely keep me strong and get me through the tough times.”

Add your support for Lauren-Nicole here: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/lauren-nicole-mayes

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RebeccaRebecca is a real inspiration, having gone from being a total beginner runner to her first marathon! She started last summer with a 'Couch to 5km' and this weekend she'll be lining up for the most famous marathon in the world.  She says:

'When I got a ballot place in the marathon, I knew which cause I wanted to support. 12 years ago, I hadn’t heard of postpartum psychosis. Following the birth of my first daughter and ‘out of the blue,’ I experienced an episode of postpartum psychosis.  After the birth of my second daughter in 2014 I stayed well and had no recurrence of PP.  Raising awareness about this illness is crucial to ensure timely intervention and support for the mums and families affected. With your help we can support even more women and families affected by PP, break down stigma and raise awareness.'

Add your support for Rebecca here: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rebecca-lim-6ae90

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Selfie of Luke in his purple APP t-shirtLuke is taking on the London Marathon as his way of giving something back.  He says:
'Running the London Marathon to support my sister-in-law and raise funds / awareness for Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP), the charity for mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis. Every step counts in our journey to raise awareness and support those affected.  This charity has, and currently is, supporting my family, so I want use this opportunity to give something back.
Please give what you can afford. They are a relatively small UK based charity, so every penny truly counts.'

Add your support for Luke here: www.justgiving.com/page/lukehancocklondonmarathonapp

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Lee is a familiar face to APP supporters, having already taken on more than a dozen challenges to raise funds and awareness over the last 18 months. The London Marathon is a bucket list dream for him and the icing on the cake for us!

You can read more about all of Lee's amazing fundraising adventures, and add your support for his final event, here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lee-smith215

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Training for a marathon is a huge commitment in both time and effort, and we want to say a massive thank you to all our runners - we're in awe of what they have achieved. We hope they all have a brilliant day and wear their medals with pride at the finish line!

If you happen to be in London this Sunday, do look out for #TeamAPP and give them all a huge cheer as they run past!

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As APP has been unable to obtain any charity places in the London Marathon for a few years, all our runners this year secured their own places through the general public ballot or via other routes. We're so grateful to all of them for choosing to support us in this way.

We would love to have APP runners in the 2025 London Marathon - the public ballot opens on Saturday 20th April - so if you're feeling inspired, why not try your luck and see if you can score a place then run for us - you can submit an entry request here.

16 April 2024

Award-winning Blackpool writer runs London Marathon to raise awareness of postpartum psychosis

Blackpool writer and actress, Lauren-Nicole Mayes, is about to take on her biggest challenge yet as she gears up for Sunday’s London Marathon in aid of the national perinatal mental health charity, Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP).

Born and bred in Blackpool, Lauren broke into the world of writing having noticed a lack of stories representing the working-class women who raised her. Her first play BABYNUN XO premiered at The Lowry as part of a research and development week, following the story of Isabella and Mike and explored the impact of postpartum psychosis (PP) in all of it’s hilarity vs despair mentality. The piece has since developed as a TV idea and  follows the stories of five sisters as one explores the impact of PP which unites and fractures them further. It has been picked up by It’s All Made Up Prod and now has a broadcaster attached.

Lauren-Nicole headshotLauren said: “When I was researching Babynun XO I spent a huge amount of time speaking to APP’s community of women and families affected by postpartum psychosis – a serious postpartum mental illness that affects around 1,400 women each year. I saw first-hand how vital the charity is when it comes to helping people recover from this devastating illness, and I can’t think of a better cause to fundraise for.”

Postpartum psychosis affects 1-2 in every thousand births in the UK and it can occur completely out of the blue in women with no previous mental health problems. Symptoms include extreme elation or euphoria, sudden mood changes and the rapid onset of unusual beliefs. Women may also experience visual and auditory hallucinations, extreme confusion and anxiety.  It’s a serious illness that should always be considered a medical emergency, however, most women do go on to make a full recovery with the right treatment and support.  In the Blackpool area, APP runs in-person peer support ‘café groups’ as well as providing one-to-one peer support for families affected by PP.

Lauren has been training hard for the past few months in order to take on this significant challenge, something she has had on her bucket list for several years. She said: “I’ve never really considered myself a serious runner before deciding to take on the London Marathon. I used to run 5km and park runs, but since signing up to the Marathon it has become all-consuming. I can’t believe I am now running 30 kilometres on a Saturday each week!

“You can become so fixated on the end goal, but the training in itself, both from a physical and psychological point of view, is a marathon in its own right. It’s safe to say I’m feeling nervous but I keep reminding myself that I am limitless, and I know if I think about the reason I am running and the charity I am raising money for it will absolutely keep me strong and get me through the tough times.”

In 2023 Lauren was selected for BBC Writers Room: Northern Voices where she developed her ideas for TV. More recently, she was chosen as one of the final two writers for the inaugural regional Breakthrough Writers Programme by WARP Films for her original series idea SHIT.GOD.SHIT which was also a stage play.

Felicity Lambert, APP’s National Fundraising Co-ordinator said: “We are all in awe at Lauren’s commitment and passion for fundraising for APP. Running a marathon is no mean feat, and we know that she will not only do us proud on the day, but she has also been raising lots of awareness for the charity and for postpartum psychosis more broadly in the run up as well. We are so grateful for all her support – both in terms of her fundraising efforts and of course the stories she is telling on stage and screen. The more people who know about postpartum psychosis, the more quickly women can be diagnosed and the more lives can be saved.”

Lauren is aiming to raise £1000 for APP by taking part in the London Marathon.
To support her, visit her fundraising page: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/lauren-nicole-mayes

1 April 2024

APP's big weekend of running!

This weekend sees 10 APP fundraisers taking to the streets, covering over 200km between them, taking part in events from Paris to Fleetwood! 

Brighton Marathon

We have three amazing runners taking on the Brighton Marathon this Sunday - Mollie, Chris and Gen.

Mollie in her purple APP topMollie is an experienced APP fundraiser, having already taken part in the Hackney Half for us last year.
She is supporting APP after one of her best friends suffered from PP after the birth of her son. She's been training hard and we can't wait to see how she gets on!
Add your support for Mollie here.

 

 

Chris standing in front of a gate in his APP tshirt

Chris is running in Brighton after attending an event last year where he learnt about postpartum psychosis and the affect it can have on families.
Chris has been keeping a close track of all his training and has an impressive number of stats under his belt:

  • Week one of training - Monday 18th Dec
  • Total runs completed - 60
  • Total miles run - 403
  • Total elevation - 11674 ft
  • Total time running - 66 hours 34 mins
  • Approx Calories 53,325

Add your support for Chris here.

Gen is passionate about supporting and raising awareness of women's mental health issues.
Through fundraising for the Brighton Marathon, Gen has found many people have been in touch who have been affected by PP or other mental health issues.  
Add your support for Gen here.

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Paris Marathon

A selfie of James smiling with a sunset behind himJames is our first ever Paris Marathon runner - he's running in memory of one of his sister's closest friends, who lost her life to PP.
He wants to raise awareness of PP and help prevent anyone else going through this in future.
Add your support for James here.

 

 

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London Landmarks

Sisters Rosie & Lillie chose to take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon this weekend because Rosie spent time in hospital with postpartum mental health issues after the birth of her baby.
They really want to raise awareness and help other families affected.
Support the sisters here.

 

Sarah in her APP vestSarah is taking part in the London Landmarks after hearing about our place through a friend at her running club and is aiming for a sub 2 hour marathon this weekend!
Add your support for Sarah here.

 

 

 

Jenna in her purple APP t-shirtJenna has had a long run up to the London Landmarks - having originally signed up to take part in 2023, she was forced to withdraw due to injury.  But Jenna was determined not to be defeated and has trained hard ready for the challenge this year.
Add your support for Jenna here.

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Rutland Half

Ollie and his familyOllie is taking on the Rutland Half to mark 10 years since his wife experienced PP after the birth of their daughter.
APP were there to support both him and his wife, and he wants to raise funds so we can be there to support other families. 
Add your support for Ollie here.

 

 

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Fleetwood 10k

Matt finishing a runFor Matt, the Fleetwood 10k this weekend is just the first of several events he is taking on in 2024 as part of his fitness and fundraising challenge for APP.
Find out more about what he has planned for the year.
Add your support for Matt here.

 

 

 

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Feeling inspired by all of these incredible fundraisers? Fancy taking on your own challenge for APP?

We have lots of ideas here, or you could join in with our Miles for Mums and Babies challenge this May!

Email fundraising@app-network.org if you'd like more info or want to get involved.

14 March 2024

BBC Radio 4 Appeal

BBC Radio 4 will broadcast an appeal on behalf of Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) later this month.

APP Ambassador and author, Laura Dockrill, will present the broadcast, sharing her experience of postpartum psychosis (PP) following the birth of her son. Laura describes how she spent her first Mother’s Day in a psychiatric hospital separated from her three-week old baby and how APP’s peer support helped her find connection, recovery and community.

BBC Radio 4 appeals are weekly three-minute programmes which highlight the work of charities and appeal for donations on their behalf.  Only 49 charities from across the UK are selected to make an appeal each year and APP is delighted to be part of the 2024 programme.

APP’s appeal will be broadcast live on Sunday 24th March at 7.54 am and at 9.25pm. It will then be repeated on Thursday 28th March at 3.27pm.

Dr Jess Heron, APP Chief Executive, says: “The BBC Radio 4 charity appeal is an incredible opportunity for us to raise the profile of APP on a national scale, as well as really help to raise awareness of postpartum psychosis. We want to reach as many people as possible – and we’d love our supporters to spread the word and encourage family, friends and colleagues to listen.”

To find out more, visit the Radio 4 Appeal webpage. Please note, you can only donate to this appeal via the BBC web page from 24th-30th March.

The first £25,000 received in donations will be matched by a generous APP supporter, meaning donations will go twice as far.

Sign up to our newsletter here if you'd like to receive a reminder about our BBC Radio 4 appeal nearer the time.

 

2 January 2024

Emily and Adam skydive for APP!

Two wonderful staff members from The Beeches Mother and Baby Unit in Derby are getting 2024 off to a flying start with a skydive on Friday 12th January!
Emily and Adam are bravely taking on this challenge to raise raise awareness of postnatal mental illness.
Adam says: “Ever since graduating as a mental health nurse and beginning my career on The Beeches MBU I’ve been passionate about improving services and support to people going through mental health crises in the postpartum period.
I have seen first hand the impact  that prompt care and support has on recovery rates. Additionally my friend and skydive partner Emily had her own journey with postpartum psychosis and I know how helpful APP and community services were for her.
I’m keen to help in any way that I can; so a sponsored skydive seemed the perfect way to do it! “
Emily herself experienced postnatal mental illness after the birth of her baby in 2020. She has gone on to train to become a support worker, helping other mums who are going through difficult times. She says: “After being a service user myself and working on The Beeches Mother and Baby Unit as a Support Worker, I’ve seen both personally and professionally the impact that care has on recovery. My personal experience has given me this intense drive to make a difference in services as I know first hand how scary the postnatal period can be.”

'Postnatal mental illness is so terrifying and at the time you don’t see any kind of light after dark, everything is just tunnel vision and I’ve never felt sadness and fear like it. The sadness of not wanting to be here and not enjoying this motherhood dream that everyone talks about, not enjoying anything in life, feeling like a burden and like you’re not worthy of being a parent, but honestly, it DOES change.'

You can read more of Emily's beautifully written story about her experiences, and add your support for her and Adam's jump on their GoFundMe page.
Good luck Emily and Adam!
28 December 2023

2024 - New Year, New Challenge!

Could 2024 be the year you take on that challenge you’ve always dreamed of? Whether it’s running a marathon, jumping out of a plane or dressing up in a purple tutu and getting covered in paint – we can help make your dreams come true!

Now is the PERFECT time to sign up for a new challenge, and here at APP we have more than ever before for you to choose from!

Here’s just a few of the amazing opportunities we have available next year…

'The marathon was an amazing experience, one which is hard to describe due to all the highlights – from the support from family and friends, the other runners and the huge crowds shouting everyone's name to the feeling of achievement and thankfulness that it was over’ - Debbie

 

Plus we have access to places in so many more exciting events all across the UK and beyond! Including…

'I completed 5 triathlons in support of APP finishing with an Olympic distance at the London Tri. The experience of the support and hugging my daughter at the end and being reminded how far I’ve come in recovery was incredible.' - Alice

 

'I wore my t-shirt proudly and have to say, I was quite emotional at the finish line!' - Adeline

And if you don’t fancy a run, swim or cycle – we can offer bungee jumps or skydives if you're feeling brave enough!

'The skydive - absolutely amazing and you must do it once in a lifetime!' - Katie

 

 

 

'Smashed the bungee jump! So so scary but what a feeling once you jump!' - Jodie

 

 

Nearly all these events have a low registration fee of just £26 and a minimum fundraising target of £250 (some are a bit more or a bit less - check out the registration pages or contact us for more details).
slate APP medal with purple ribbon
We’ll provide a fab purple APP t-shirt or running vest, plenty of moral support with training plus ideas and goodies to help with fundraising, and of course your all important APP medal for when you cross that finish line!

Ready to sign up? Click here to access all the events, or contact Fliss for more info or if you have any questions at all.

We can't wait to cheer you on as part of Team APP next year!

20 December 2023

Emily and Andy – dream team!

APP volunteer Emily Saunders has even more reasons to celebrate this Christmas as she has just come to the end of an incredible year long Miles for Mums and Babies challenge!

Over the last 12 months she has walked an amazing 1000 miles to raise funds and awareness for APP. Emily took on this mammoth challenge to help support other families affected by postpartum psychosis. She suffered from postpartum psychosis and severe postnatal depression and anxiety after her daughter was born back in 2017.

Emily now volunteers with APP to help raise awareness.  She says: 'Through APP I have met inspiring, strong women who survived this illness and with whom I can share experiences'

Emily has continued to walk throughout this year, fitting it in around her job and busy family life.  She says: 'Walking is something which really helps my mental health and was so important to my recovery. I love being in the fresh air, enjoying nature, taking time to think, listening to podcasts and spending time both alone and with friends and family.'

Not only has Emily walked 1000 miles, and been supported by nearly 40 donors, she's also sponsored herself - saving a little bit each week to reflect the miles she's done for APP.

Read more and add your support for Emily here: www.justgiving.com/page/emily-saunders-1000milewalk

But Emily is not alone in her mission to raise funds for APP though – her partner Andy is also taking on his own challenges. In October he completed the Macclesfield Half Marathon and next March, he’ll be heading to France to take on the Paris Half Marathon!

Do add your support to help him get through these harsh winter training days…  www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-rolfe-1700334019667

What an amazing couple! The biggest thank you from all of us at APP to Emily, Andy, their family and all those who have supported them.

12 December 2023

Ways to support APP this festive season

 

There's lots of ways you can show your support for APP this festive season:

  • Host a festive Big Bake event with friends and family – for more info visit bit.ly/APPBigBake
  • Nominate Action on Partum Psychosis for a £50 award - please take a minute to complete this form and tell them why you love APP in 50 words or less by 31st December.  It's a really short form - just the 50 words or less plus your name. If you have 5 mins any time before the end of the year, please do give it a go!
  • Sign up to EasyFundraising - APP are registered with easyfundraising, which means you can help us for FREE. Over 7,000 brands will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself! All you need to do is sign up and remember to use easyfundraising whenever you shop online.
    This year you can also help us WIN one of four £250 donation prizes in easyfundraising's Refer to Win giveaway. We'll get a FREE entry each time a new supporter signs up to easyfundraising before the 18th December! It only takes a moment and it's completely free, so please sign up today and give us an entry!
  • Sign up to Give as You Live - Another way to raise free donations for us while Shopping online this festive period. It's simple and easy to use and more than 6,000+ stores are registered with them. Sign up today and start using Give as you Live Online!
  • Buy your Christmas, Hanukah and other seasonal cards from Making a Difference Cards - All cards can be personalised with photos, names and messages, and you can buy them individually, in packs, as printed cards or as digital e-cards and there are options for businesses too. Browse the selection here: https://bit.ly/APPcards
  • Buy an APP voucher as a gift – struggling to think of present ideas for the person who has everything? Make a donation to APP in their name, then drop us an email and we’ll send you a downloadable gift voucher for you to print and wrap for them for the big day. 
  • Text APPXMAS to 70085 to donate £5. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from us. If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from us, please text APPXMASNOINFO instead.
  • Nominate us for a Movement for Good Award - it takes less than 1 minute and we might win £1,000 – simply visit www.bit.ly/NominateAPP and complete the form – no obligation to sign up to any mailing lists or anything either.
  • Share our social media posts – every share helps us reach more people.

Thank you so much for your support and have a fabulous festive season!

5 December 2023

Lee's final challenge!

Lee bungee jumpingOur amazing fundraiser and dad of two, Lee Smith, is taking on one final physical challenge this month to round off a year of incredible achievements.

Lee’s wife Jess was diagnosed with postpartum psychosis, a severe mental illness, after the birth of their second daughter in 2020, and Lee is passionate about raising awareness and funds to help other families affected.

In the last 12 months Lee has completed 13 challenges – he started last December with a 10 mile mystery run; then went on to climb the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales; completed 100,000 steps in 24 hours; ran 5k a day in March; finished the Alnwick 10k, the Great Run 10k and the Great North Run; plus a Total Warrior obstacle course and he got his adrenaline pumping with a 100mph zipwire adventure and a 140ft bungee jump!

He’s battled through all weathers – from snow and ice to heatwaves, fought personal illness, fitted challenges around work and family commitments and managed to convince friends and family to take part in many events alongside him as well.

For his final event on 10th December, Lee will take on his longest, most challenging run of all – 22 miles from the family home in Washington to the specialist Mother & Baby Unit in Morpeth – where Jess spent several months receiving treatment when she was ill.

Lee says: 'Jess was sectioned on 8th December and first time I was allowed in (all masked up because of COVID) was the 11th so my final run represents the whole journey perfectly.  I’m so immensely proud of Jess and everything we’ve been through as a family and the challenges I’ve undertaken this year have been a good representation of this, as well as (without realising) helping me through some really dark days. APP is always going to have a special place in my heart thanks to the support and help it has given us as a family’.

Jess is now recovered and both Lee and Jess volunteer for APP – Jess as a peer supporter and Lee through his fundraising and awareness raising.

To support Lee on his amazing final challenge, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lee-smith215

19 October 2023

Laura's 50 miles in a month!

Laura wearing her purple APP running vestThis October, mum of two Laura Walton is taking on a massive Miles for Mums and Babies challenge - running 50 miles in a month for APP.  Laura admits she is not a runner – saying she hasn’t run since before her wedding in 2014!  But she is keen to take on this challenge for APP to help raise awareness and funds.

Laura is passionate about raising awareness of postpartum psychosis since she herself was diagnosed after the birth of her first baby, Katie.  Laura had worked in childcare for nearly 20 years and felt like there was nothing she didn’t know about babies and children – but in all her years of working with children and parents, she had never heard about postpartum psychosis.

After her baby was born, Laura says she just didn’t feel right – ‘everything felt weird’ - and she could hear voices in her head.  She became obsessed with the idea of her baby getting ill or dying and felt she had to stay awake to keep watch over Katie. After 10 days with no sleep, her husband took her to hospital where, even though she shared exactly how she was feeling, her symptoms were not recognised as PP and she was not admitted.  As is often the case with PP, things got worse quickly, and Laura ended up being sectioned, with six police officers involved.  After being separated from her baby and held overnight in a room in the hospital, finally she was admitted to Leeds MBU. This was two hours away from her home and family, but it meant she could be together with her baby. Her husband and mother visited every day, spending hours travelling to and fro. Laura spent more than three months in the MBU, then was cared for by her community mental health team at home until she fully recovered.

Her journey to recovery was long and challenging, but after four years she felt well enough to be able to try for another baby – fully understanding that PP might come back, but she felt prepared for this and wanted to try.  As soon as she got pregnant, she started to feel early symptoms, so quickly accessed support and suitable medication, which kept her and her baby healthy throughout the rest of her pregnancy.

Laura is challenging herself to run 50 miles this month because she wants everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of PP, and to know how quickly it can affect new mums and mums to be. She says:

‘When I was ill, no one ever told me or my her family that I would get better – it was terrifying to think I might never be myself again.’

Laura is now back to the person she was before. She very aware of what can affect her mental health and is mindful about looking after herself.  She’s studying counselling and wants to do more to help understanding of mental health, particularly in new mothers.

She plans to celebrate completing her final mile with a party for all her family and friends at the end of the month.

To support Laura’s 50 mile challenge, visit her GoFundMe page here.

Thank you for your support Laura!