My Story

Hello everyone

Hope this finds you well wherever you are. This year, I have the tremendous privilege to intersect two of my biggest passions in life, working on my physical health & raising awareness for mental health charities 🙂 by running the 2023 London Marathon on April 23rd in support of Intercountry Adoption Centre (or IAC)

I came to work with IAC at first seemingly by chance, as they were in need of runners to support their charity team, which as a smaller organization is one the their largest and most important fundraising efforts of the year. I had always dreamed of running a marathon one day, as I’ve become incredibly convinced of the impact that exercise and taking care of my body has had on my mind (which as most of you know I am quite shamelessly someone who suffers from severe chronic anxiety 🥲 but running has always seemed to wipe away those worries even at my darkest moments!)

Upon speaking to their team more and learning firsthand from the CEO, Satwinder Sandhu, about how the organization and it’s purpose I became quite certain that this was not just a chance encounter, but rather serendipitous.

Did you know that if you are adopted, that as an adult you have a 1 in 4 chance of taking your own life? I did not. IAC not only helps connect families looking to adopt with children who are in need from all over the world, but the money raised doesn’t just support those logistical efforts. Instead, it goes towards what happens after adoption, where in by they provide emotional wellbeing support, therapy services, and mental health counseling for those children who are naturally going to go through some turbulence, identity crisis, and potential trauma as they are moved to a new home. If there is one thing I’ve learned in life it’s the power that these services have had on my own journey, and I can only imagine just how important they are for those then who are more vulnerable and need it most. What I love the most is that IAC makes sure that families who proceed with adoption are not burdened with the costs of these services, as they can be massively expensive in todays world, as this should not be a barrier for anyone who needs mental health support to receive it.

I hope that my family and friends, if they are able and willing, would be able to support by a donation big or small to this cause and will be forever grateful for helping to empower this wonderful team 💪 In return, you know I will give the marathon my all (aiming for a 3:30 time if these legs can hold up!) but also always be available day or night for a chat for those who ever wish to discuss their own mental health journey (or if you just need some helpful tips on yoga, breathing, or meditation!). A massive thank you to anyone who has already donated, and even if you’re not able to today - your support still means the world.

Much love to you all ❤️

Andrew