A Portland resident is limbering up ahead of next month’s London Marathon.

Steven Woodward is running for Rethink Mental Illness, which provides several services in Dorset such as carers groups and supported living projects, including the Recovery House, and early intervention services in psychosis.

For Steven, the charity holds a personal importance to his life.

He said: “In 2007, my mental health deteriorated to a degree that I was hospitalised on several occasions and needed intensive input from secondary services.

“I was diagnosed with EUPD and PTSD as a by-product from childhood trauma I experienced.

“After six years of consistent treatment, therapy, reassurance and learning to trust myself and others again, I could get back to work.”

After the treatment he applied for a job with Rethink Mental Illness in 2013, for a new service in the Recovery House area, as assistant mental health recovery worker.

Steven said: “My line manager was very emphatic and understanding of my mental health and was willing to employ me without any references as I had been out of work for so long. This was the confidence boost I needed and for someone to give me the time to be able to reintegrate back into work life.”

Whilst working for Rethink Mental Illness, Steven was able to use his own experiences in supporting others, which aided him in demonstrating empathy and understanding. After leaving the charity, Steven undertook training to be a nurse and is now working for the NHS.

In running, he has found a release no medication can provide.

Mr Woodward said: “I no longer take medication and I am not in contact with secondary services any longer due to finding running.

“I have been running for the past year and I have found this to be my way of managing my emotions, stress and making me feel good.

“I have caught the running bug.”

To train for the race, Steven has completed three half marathons and running 26 plus miles per week. Steven also recently entered a 20-mile race (The Larmer 20) which will put him in good stead for London. Through generous donations and a charity quiz night in February, he is near his fundraising target of £2,000, having raised £1,500 so far.

Steven said: “I want to give something back to not only an amazing charity but also a great organisation that gave a previous service user a chance, confidence and time to flourish supporting others and being able to feel like a member of society again. “The London Marathon falls on my 30th birthday and this would be an amazing achievement.”

To sponsor Steven, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StevenWoodward