A Trust worker who took up running to help her mental health is preparing to tackle two huge challenges for charity.
Laura Newnham, a peer practitioner within the Mutual Minds service in Stockton, is well known across our trust for pet therapy visits with her gorgeous dog Bella.
But this year the 27-year-old is stepping into the spotlight for a different reason: raising money for the charity Mind, by pushing herself further than ever before.
Laura is planning to take on both the TEWV 10k run and the 24-mile Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and said: “I’m a bit out of practice with my running but, luckily, I do a lot of walking with Bella.
“I was more of a sprinter at school, and hated long distances, but now I find a good run really helps my mental health. It brings a sort of peace.”
Struggles with mental health after pandemic
Laura’s path from volunteer to peer practitioner with our Trust has been shaped by her lived experience over the past few years.
Her initial ambition of becoming a paramedic was disrupted by Covid in 2020, when she was left juggling university studies, placements and three jobs amid a global health crisis.
By early 2022, her mental health had deteriorated significantly. Laura was eventually referred to our trust’s crisis team, but continued to spiral.
“I’d always had bad anxiety, but never anything like this. It really took over and I lost loads of weight, was barely sleeping or eating, but still trying to work,” she said.
“I just wanted to get back to normal, to try and push on through everything. Instead, I ended up in intensive care, and I’m really lucky to still be here.”
Journey to recovery with help of Bella
Laura went on to spend time as an in-patient in a trust hospital, where she was diagnosed with ADHD and, later, autism.
“There’s one nurse consultant I will never, ever be able to thank enough. I genuinely don’t think I’d still be here without him,” she said.
During her stay, Bella – the family dog – became a lifeline not just to Laura – but also to other patients in her ward, bringing joy to many on her visits.
“One of the girls absolutely adored her and suggested I register her as a therapy dog,” she said. “That planted the seed in my head.”
After leaving hospital in early 2023, Laura began rebuilding her life from scratch. She took up running, completed the Couch to 5k challenge and enrolled Bella in pet therapy training.
“Two of my friends sadly lost their lives to suicide, but Bella brought them both so much happiness when they were struggling, and I wanted to share that,” said Laura.
“I volunteered in their memory and love how happy it makes everyone to see Bella. She brings a bit of light into people’s lives when it’s a really dark time for them.”
Looking to a brighter future
Laura now combines volunteering alongside Bella with her role at Mutual Minds peer support service – a collaboration between our trust and Teesside Mind.
The project aims to help people who have struggled with their mental health to build networks and find new purpose – and it is a challenge that Laura is relishing.
“I know what it’s like to feel like a bit of a burden on society, or like you’ve lost everything. I’ve been there, and breaking the cycle is really difficult,” she said.
“I can see myself in the people I support, and I want to show them there really is light at the end of the tunnel. There are ways you can get your voice back.”
Stepping up to charity challenge
Laura is continuing her own journey back to health with the support of Bella, her family, friends and colleagues – and also by keeping active.
She completed both the TEWV 5k and 10k events last year, as well as an 18‑mile charity walk.
This year, she’s raising the bar – by adding the Three Peaks Challenge to her challenge list as well.
“Running gives me something to aim for,” she said. “It gives the hard days a purpose.”
“I’m just grateful to be here, doing a job I love, with people who understand. If my story helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth every mile.”
- To sponsor Laura during her Three Peaks Challenge in May this year check out her JustGiving page.
