On 12th October, couple Charlotte Clarke (24) and Max Nixon (20) will take on the Great Eastern Run — their second half marathon together — in support of CPSL Mind.
After discovering a shared love for running earlier this year, Charlotte and Max are using their training to support something bigger than a finish line. They’re raising awareness and funds for a cause that means a great deal to them: mental health.
“Mental health is something we deal with every day.”
Charlotte, a teacher currently living in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, and Max, a multi-skilled engineer, are both originally from Norfolk. They completed their first half marathon in support of CPSL Mind in Cambridge earlier this year — an experience that sparked both a passion for running and a desire to give back to their community.
“We thought it was an amazing opportunity to raise money for a local charity,” Charlotte says. “When we looked through the list, CPSL Mind stood out to us the most.”
For Charlotte and Max, this run is about more than fitness — it’s about raising awareness, breaking stigma, and encouraging others to talk openly about their mental health.
“We both agree there can never be enough understanding of, and funding towards, mental health. We want to do as much as we can to raise awareness, reduce stigmas, and normalise facing challenges with mental health and wellbeing. It is so important we take care of our minds as much as our bodies. By completing the half marathon and raising money for CPSL Mind, we could do both — for ourselves and others.”
Why CPSL Mind?
Mental health is deeply personal for both Charlotte and Max. They’ve not only experienced their own struggles but have also supported people close to them through challenging times.
“Mental health is an area close to both of us,” Max explains. “We’ve both faced challenges with our mental health and have seen those close to us do the same. We’ve been lucky enough to get through those challenges and learn about ourselves in the process, but we know that for many people, it’s an ongoing journey. We want to help provide the provisions and support they need.”
They also recognise the important work that CPSL Mind does for the wider community.
“We’re aware of the amazing services it provides and the number of people it supports.”
Running Together, Supporting Each Other
Charlotte and Max are more than running partners — they’re also in a relationship. This shared challenge has brought them even closer.
“We knew running and fundraising together would allow us to reach a higher target,” Charlotte says. “But it also means we can push each other over the finish line — if we need to!”
Even though they live far apart, they’ve stayed consistent with a joint training plan.
“We’re both doing much better this time around,” Charlotte says. “We managed to complete the last half marathon having only run 12k. But now we’re consistently hitting 14k and 15k in training — we’re well prepared!”
From New Runners to Half Marathoners
Surprisingly, neither Charlotte nor Max considered themselves runners before this year.
“We’ve both only got into long-distance running this year,” Charlotte says. “We both play a lot of sport — netball, football — and I beat Max a lot at tennis and badminton! But running is something new that we’ve really started to enjoy.”
The Cambridge Half Marathon was their first running event — and it left a lasting impact.
“We’re definitely hooked,” Max adds.
Fundraising for a Cause That Matters
Charlotte and Max have already raised £500 in their first fundraising effort, and now they’re aiming to add another £500 to hit their £1,000 milestone for CPSL Mind.
“We’re almost there — just collecting the final donations now,” they say.
They also see this as a long-term commitment to supporting mental health initiatives.
“We hope to raise even more than this in the future. This is just the beginning.”
What They’re Most Looking Forward To
It’s not just about the run. For Charlotte and Max, the entire experience is meaningful.
“We’re most looking forward to the whole day,” says Charlotte. “Running our first half marathon was an amazing experience, and finishing the race knowing your fundraising is going to help so many others is a feeling that’s hard to replicate.”
They won’t be alone on the course either.
“My mum, dad and sister will be supporting us, and hopefully a couple of friends too,” Charlotte shares. “My mum brings the best signs to keep us going — and has the loudest cheers!”
Their Mental Health Message
Charlotte and Max are committed to keeping the conversation going — and making sure people know that mental health struggles are nothing to be ashamed of.
“Mental health isn’t just about a diagnosis,” they say. “It’s something we all face every day, which is why it’s so important to look after our minds.”
“Our mental health and wellbeing guide our everyday lives — and we feel like this just isn’t realised enough. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. That’s why fundraising for CPSL Mind is so important — so these campaigns and support services can reach as many people as possible.”
And their message to others who may be struggling?
“It isn’t a bad thing, and you definitely shouldn’t feel ashamed of your struggles. A lot more people than you think will face challenges with their mental health — and there will always be someone willing to listen.”
“Speak about how you’re feeling. Although they’re not ‘problems’, a problem shared is a problem halved. Think of your challenges as an opportunity to learn more about yourself — they’re never a bad thing.”
Tips From Charlotte & Max
For runners:
“Your mind will be the first thing to tell you to give up. When you’re training, it’s not just your running you’re improving — it’s how you speak to yourself internally. Tackle your negative thoughts and you’ll go miles. Anyone can do it.”
For fundraisers:
“Be open and honest as possible. People love to relate and help important causes. (It also helps if you ask really nicely.)”
Final Push to the Finish Line
Charlotte and Max are nearly at their £1,000 fundraising target. With just one more event and a few donations to go, your support could make a real difference — not just for them, but for the many people CPSL Mind helps every day.
Support their journey, share their story, and help break the stigma around mental health — one step at a time.
Support Charlotte & Max’s fundraising for CPSL Mind: Donation page here
September 24, 2025