Law Society president Mark Evans is raising funds and awareness for mental health in the legal sector at the TCS London Marathon in April.
Evans will run the marathon alongside solicitors Kayleigh Wilding and Matt Ottley, all of whom are taking on the task to highlight the pressures many people working in law face and raise funds for LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector.
“I am so excited to be running in the London Marathon in support of LawCare,” Evans said. “I am running to breakdown the stigma around mental health, and help colleagues in need. By raising awareness, we can create a powerful support network and make a real difference.
“The London Marathon is a huge challenge, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to support LawCare and raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the legal sector.”
Since taking up running in 2019, Evans has completed a 10K, half marathon, marathon and an ultramarathon. He also founded LegalRunner, a running community for people working in law that now has nearly 2,000 members. LawCare is the official charity partner of LegalRunner.
“From the outset I have worked in partnership with LawCare,” Evans explained. “The partnership between LegalRunner and LawCare underscores our shared goals to improve mental and physical health and foster a healthier, inclusive and supportive legal community.”
Mental health and wellbeing have been a central focus of Evans’ presidency and he has encouraged open conversations across the sector and championed healthier workplaces.
“Supporting wellbeing is one of my presidential themes and I am proud to lead the team,” he said.
“I went from couch to marathon in 2020, and ran the London Virtual Marathon in isolation in North Wales. I am so excited to finally experience the real thing.
“I appreciate that not everyone can experience the atmosphere of London, which is why I am encouraging all the members of the LegalRunner group to run any distance, anywhere on that day, in support of LawCare.”
Supporters can donate to the fundraising page here.
