On April 13th, I completed a 5K marathon to support the Big Moose charity our Charity partner, an organisation doing incredible work to change lives. Big Moose’s mission is simple but powerful: to help people with their mental health, prevent suicide, and reduce homelessness. In Wales, the NHS waiting list for therapy is around 36 weeks but with Big Moose, individuals are seen within a week. Every £15 raised provides one free therapy session to someone in urgent need.
As an international studen
On April 13th, I completed a 5K marathon to support the Big Moose charity our Charity partner, an organisation doing incredible work to change lives. Big Moose’s mission is simple but powerful: to help people with their mental health, prevent suicide, and reduce homelessness. In Wales, the NHS waiting list for therapy is around 36 weeks but with Big Moose, individuals are seen within a week. Every £15 raised provides one free therapy session to someone in urgent need.
As an international student, I faced challenges like financial stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Reaching out for help felt daunting, but one day, I took that step. A kind person referred me to Big Moose, and within 24 hours, I was matched with a therapist. The support was smooth, caring, and helped me find my smile and focus again.
Because of my journey, I understand how important it is to seek help and to know you are never alone. Whether you're an international student or a home student, fighting battles silently can make things harder. Please, never hesitate to reach out, sharing your struggles doesn't make you weak; it makes you brave.
When I first decided to run, some people laughed and doubted me. I could barely last two minutes without struggling to breathe. But with motivation from the cause, and support from friends and loved ones, I kept training. On race day, seeing runners from as young as 2 to over 60 years old was truly inspiring. It reminded me that strength isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up. Crossing that 5K finish line filled me with pride, and it made me believe: if I can do one, I can do another!
Through this run, I contributed to someone getting a free therapy session, someone who might be struggling just like I was. That alone made every aching step worth it.
I am positive to raising more awareness about mental health. It’s not just important; it’s lifesaving. I will continue to remind everyone: it’s okay to seek help. It's okay to talk. Your battles don't have to be fought alone, there are people who genuinely care and want to help you heal.
For more info: Please visit Big moose charity.
To Donate and Support: Click here!
To anyone reading this: “Keep fighting. Keep believing. A small step today can change a life, maybe even your own”.
Rewathi Viswanatham
SU Vice President Education.