BasicNeeds' Finance Manager, Carl Black, ran in the Leamington Spa 10km Regency Run to raise vital money for mentally ill people in the developing world after an inspirational visit to our projects in Ghana.

Carl Black, who joined BasicNeeds in 2004, said, "I'm very excited about running to raise money for BasicNeeds. I always felt that I was making a difference to the organisation in my job but it wasn't until I visited Ghana that I really understood the suffering that mentally ill people face every day. This made me want to raise money for BasicNeeds so that we can carry on doing vital work."

Whilst in Ghana, Carl visited the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, based in the capital city. Without community-based mental health treatment, mentally ill people are forced to travel from all around the country to receive help. The provisions in the hospital are completely inadequate for the demands placed on them.

"Accra Psychiatric Hospital was a real eye-opener. The over crowding was terrible. People were forced to share beds and sleep on the floor. And there were nowhere near enough staff - only a couple of nurses for hundreds of people on the wards. The contrast between me sat in the office inputting figures and the suffering of mentally ill people was a lot greater than I'd prepared for; it was very shocking."

What Carl saw in Ghana has made him want to help BasicNeeds in ways beyond his normal job. "My visit has inspired me to want to help mentally ill people further. I've seen how our programmes can change people's lives. These funds are really important to helping mentally ill people get back towards a normal life."

Carl raised £1000 from running the 10km around the streets and parks of Leamington Spa in the Regency Run.

"Running has always been my hobby so it was easy for me to find a way to raise money for BasicNeeds. I'm sure that other people could easily find a way to turn their hobbies into ways to raise money. It's just a shame that we can't take everyone to Ghana to see what I've seen. If we did, I'm sure everyone would be running around their local park to help BasicNeeds!"

Taking part in a sponsored run and raising money for BasicNeeds is a fantastic way to combine something you love doing with helping some of the most disadvantaged people in the world.

At BasicNeeds, we love to support you in your sponsored run. We can provide:

• Personalised sponsorship forms and posters which explain about you as well as about us!
• Leaflets, fliers and information to give to all of your supporters.
• A BasicNeeds t-shirt to run in.
• Local public relations support (if appropriate).
• All we ask in return is that you run your hardest and enjoy yourself!

To find out where your nearest race is being held, contact your local running club. A searchable database can be found on the
Running Fitness website >>

If you would like to talk to someone about ways that you could help BasicNeeds raise money please ring Andrew Robinson on 01926 330101 or email Andrew.Robinson@basicneeds.org.uk.

Unfortunately, BasicNeeds does not have any places in the London Marathon. However, if you have a place and want to raise money for BasicNeeds, we'd love to support you. Please contact us on the above information.

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