Join #TeamDevonMind and Take on a Challenge That Matters

Our fundraisers are the lifeblood of the charity. Whether you raise £50, £500, or £5,000, every pound helps us provide vital mental health and wellbeing support across Devon.

As a local Mind, we’re part of the wider Mind network. But like all local Minds, we’re responsible for raising our own funds, delivering our own services, and organising our own events. That means the support of our community makes everything we do possible.

Every year, 1 in 4 people experience a common mental health problem. That’s why we’re here — to support people across Devon and to lead the fight for better mental health. But we can’t do it alone. We need passionate people like you to join the team and help raise the funds that make our services possible.

Looking for your next challenge? There are so many ways you can get involved:

• Walk or run a race

• Take on a trek or swim challenge

• Organise a 24-hour challenge

• Create your own unique fundraiser

Whatever you choose, you’ll be making a real difference to people across Devon. We’d love to welcome you to #TeamDevonMind.

Set your own fundraising challenge today and help support mental health in your community! We’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

If you need some inspiration to help get started, check out some of our amazing supporters below, who have shared their stories about why they will be taking on some extraordinary challenges this year for our cause.

Ben Payne Hunt will be running the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 15 March 2026

“This race is personal for me. With more and more knee dislocations stacking up, I knew my love of running was going to take a hit. It was only last year, when my knee popped out while I was asleep in bed, that I really appreciated how bad it had become. Since then, I’ve been seeing a physio in an effort to strengthen it. I’ve completed smaller events, like walking 26 miles from Bristol to Bath (and back) for The Benjamin Foundation and my local village 10K, but this will be my first real event since coming back from injury. The recovery hasn’t just been physical. It’s been a mental challenge too, reminding me how closely physical and mental health are linked. We all struggle at times. We’re often our own worst enemies, and no one should have to fight those battles alone. That’s why charities like Devon Mind are so important.

In the UK, suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, with younger men particularly at risk. People in isolating professions, such as farmers and gamekeepers, face an even higher risk due to long hours, physical demands, and working alone for extended periods. This is especially relevant here in Devon. Devon Mind provides vital, local support when people need it most.

💚 I’ll be matching all donations up to the first £400, so your support will have double the impact. Any donation, big or small, really means a lot. Thank you for supporting Devon Mind and backing me on race day.”

Maddie Marshall will be running the Plymouth Half Marathon on Sunday 17 May 2026

“I first started experiencing mental health difficulties 10 years ago when I was in Secondary School. Depression and anxiety have plagued me every day, and whilst on the outside I may present as a bubbly and confident woman, inside I can feel like the world is crumbling and can struggle to get even the simplest of tasks done.

Experiencing these struggles as a teenager is what interested me in the field of Psychology, and I have gone on to complete a BSc and an MSc in Psychology at Cardiff University. My aim is to help others who have been or are in the same situation as I have and, hopefully, empower them to have the tools to develop their skills and manage their symptoms more effectively. I am a proud employee of Devon Mind as a Mental Health Recovery Practitioner, providing frontline interventions to individuals in the community. Devon Mind and my fellow colleagues have supported me and pushed me to be not only the best professional I can be, but also the best individual I can be. Although I am leaving my role at Devon Mind to continue my career directly in the NHS, I commit to continuing to be an advocate for Devon Mind and local services in Plymouth.

Two years ago, I developed a seizure disorder, which impacted every aspect of my life. Suddenly, I lost all my independence and control over my body. I can honestly say it was the scariest time of my life. Whilst I am happy to share, I am currently 12-months seizure-free and have a diagnosis of Functional Dissociative Seizures. It is clear to state that this was a direct link to my mental health struggles and being unable to handle the stressors in my life. Now I am healthy and independent again, I want to push myself to achieve something that a 14-year-old and even a 22-year-old Maddie could have never imagined!

Any and all donations or support are greatly appreciated whilst I train and attempt to “run” the Plymouth Half Marathon for Devon Mind.”

Philip Palmer will be completing a Skydive at Dunkeswell in August 2026

“Why Devon Mind? Everyone suffers from poor mental health at some stage in their lives for a variety of reasons. Even in 2026, it's still misunderstood, and people often don't know how to help someone who is struggling.

Any publicity is good publicity, and hopefully in a small way I can help with that.”

A huge thank you to Ben, Maddie, and Phil for sharing their inspiring stories and flying our flag for better mental health across Devon!