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A huge congratulations and thank you to the 15 runners who took part in the Exeter Great West Run in support of our charity, Open Up, last Sunday, raising more than £3,500.

Despite the warm conditions, our incredible runners showed amazing determination across both the 10K and Half Marathon events, raising vital funds to support mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity care across Devon and beyond.

Open Up is the official charity supporting Devon Partnership NHS Trust. The charity works to enhance mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services by funding projects, improving environments, supporting wellbeing initiatives and creating opportunities that make a real difference to patients, carers and staff across Devon and beyond.

Many runners spoke about the fantastic atmosphere on the day, with supporters lining the route offering cheers, sweets and even hose pipes to help runners cool down.

Tim Roberts, Family and Systemic Psychotherapist in the South Devon CAMHS and Torbay and South Managing Eating Pathway, completed the 10K in just over an hour.

Tim said: "It was hotter and hillier than I have been used to in training, so was pleased to see lots of people out there with hoses and thankful for all the water stations."

Kristina, a mental health nurse who also took part in the 10K, shared: "The supporters were amazing with the hose pipes, cheers and sweets. I finished the run in 1.28 and, given the heat and the hills, I think I did okay.

"I'm so pleased to have run for the charity. Being a mental health nurse myself, it is so important to raise these funds to help support recovery of patients."

Claire Smith, Business Admin Co-ordinator at Devon Partnership NHS Trust decided to take on the Half Marathon after enjoying last year's 10K event.

She added: "Last year I completed the 10K event and enjoyed it so much I decided to give the half-marathon a go. Sunday certainly was a hot one, so not the best weather to run 13 miles, but somehow, I made it to the finish line.

"The atmosphere was brilliant and so many people came out to support all the amazing runners taking part on the day. A big thank you to everyone that sponsored me!"

Rhiannon also reflected on her experience, saying: "It was an amazing, thrilling and inspiring experience and can't wait for the next adventure."

We are incredibly grateful to every runner who chose to support Open Up through this year's event. Every mile completed and every pound raised will help us continue enhancing mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services.

If you've been inspired by our amazing runners and would like to take on a challenge for Open Up yourself, we currently have places available for the Exeter 5K Inflatable.

Thank you again to all of our runners and supporters.