In May 2026, I will be taking on the Hackney Half Marathon in support of Samaritans, a charity that provides vital emotional support to people experiencing distress or crisis. As a junior solicitor in civil litigation, this is a cause that resonates with me not only on a personal level but also in the context of my professional life.
I am an avid runner, having enjoyed the sport since an early age and hope to beat my current personal best of 1 hour 47 minutes on race day. Whilst the challenge itself is important to me, the motivation behind it is even more significant.
Mental Health in the Legal Profession
The legal profession is widely recognised as demanding and at times, emotionally challenging. Long hours, high expectations and the nature of the work can place considerable pressure on solicitors at all stages of their careers, particularly those who are newly qualified.
I feel that supporting Samaritans is one way of contributing to a broader conversation about mental health within the profession. Their work helps to ensure that anyone struggling has access to a listening ear, free from judgement. By raising funds and awareness, I hope to play a small part in reducing stigma and encouraging more open discussions about mental wellbeing among legal professionals.
Supporting Clients Beyond the Legal Issue
Working in civil litigation often involves engaging with individuals at difficult points in their lives. Whether the matter relates to personal disputes, housing issues or other sensitive circumstances, clients can be under significant emotional strain.
Samaritans provides a service that complements, in many ways, the support solicitors aim to offer their clients. While we advise on legal rights and remedies, organisations like Samaritans are there to support individuals emotionally through challenging times.
I believe that fundraising for this charity is therefore not only about giving back to the community but also about recognising the broader needs of those we work with.
Professional Responsibility and Giving Back
As solicitors, we are in a position of trust and responsibility. Supporting charitable causes is one way of demonstrating a commitment to the wider community and to issues that extend beyond our immediate work.
By fundraising for Samaritans, I hope to contribute to a cause that has a tangible and positive impact. It also reflects values that are central to the legal profession and my own personal morality; empathy, integrity and a commitment to supporting others.
A Personal Challenge with a Purpose
Training for a half marathon requires discipline, consistency and resilience which are qualities that are equally important in legal practice. Setting a goal to improve on my personal best adds an extra layer of motivation but the real focus is on raising funds and awareness for an important cause.
Fundraising has also been a rewarding experience in itself. It provides an opportunity to connect with colleagues, friends and clients and to be part of a collective effort to support a meaningful organisation, all things which are particularly important to me.
While writing this article and reflecting on how I maintain my mental health in such a demanding profession, I realised it would be a valuable opportunity to connect with my colleagues at TV Edwards. I was keen to learn how others look after their mental wellbeing and to gather any tips or suggestions they might be willing to share.
Many colleagues were generous in sharing what works for them and it was really reassuring and insightful to see the variety of ways people prioritise their mental health. Some of their suggestions included:
“Wild water swimming! I love that no one can contact me for that hour and it really resets me on a Saturday morning for the weekend.”
“I am also a runner and find exercise is amazing for clearing my head and sorting out my stresses.”
“Feeling overwhelmed? Try this – pause and zoom out. Picture the Earth turning in the vast universe. Your problems are still real but also small in the grand scheme. Sometimes that shift in perspective is enough to help you take the next step and make a problem seem more manageable.”
“Swimming is wonderful for my mental health. No matter how stressed I am, I am always calmer after a swim. Outdoor swimming is even better.”
“Yoga and sound baths!”
“Most lunchtimes whether I am working from home or at the office, I’ll go for a run. Partly a practical thing because it’s harder to find time in the evening around the kids, but it also breaks the day up and makes the afternoon much easier to tackle.”
“A hot chocolate in the sunshine!”
Thank you to those that shared their thoughts with me!
Why Samaritans?
Samaritans operates a 24/7 service for anyone who needs someone to talk to, offering confidential, non-judgemental support. At a time when conversations around mental health are increasingly important, their work remains as vital as ever.
In both our professional and personal lives, we will all encounter moments of difficulty. Knowing that there is somewhere to turn can make a significant difference. Supporting Samaritans helps to ensure that this service continues to be available to those who need it most.
If you would like to support my fundraising efforts or learn more about the work Samaritans do, please check out their website: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ and if you are able to, I invite you to make a donation however big or small using my fundraising link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rosie-child-1?utm_source=EmailShare_SFMC&utm_medium=email_social&utm_campaign=LFCFRUK_Day7_1DonSelf
Thank you for supporting this amazing cause and me in my challenge!
Disclaimer: The information on the TV Edwards website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication.
