Mind over matter for first time runner Glen

A local man is working to overcome debilitating mental health issues and take part in the Bristol 10k run on Sunday. In doing so, he hopes to raise awareness of mental health issues, and the role computers and the internet can play in their treatment.

Glen Gilmore, 45, from Knowle West, has suffered from a severe form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from childhood. The condition has dominated most of his life and has lead to many hospital admissions, and prolonged programmes of treatment. Until a couple of years ago, his world didn't go much beyond his own front door, and he's had to do special training to build up the muscles that haven't developed properly because of his lack of exercise.

For Glen this isn't hand-washing and checking the gas is off, his anxieties and rituals rule his life and stop him eating, sleeping, meeting people, and at his worst even making a cup of tea can become an insurmountable obstacle. While Glen receives specialist care from a team of medical professionals, a real turning point for him was when a care worker took him along to the Windmill Hill City Farm UK online centre. That's where he started using computers, started getting out and about, and of course met manager, tutor and running partner Peter Holthuis.

Peter explains: "When Glen first walked through these doors he was very thin, very quiet, and very uncomfortable. Now he's like a different man. He's stronger, happier, and he's found new ways of coping with and controlling his symptoms. The internet has played real part in that. He can use mapping programmes to plan routes, see places online before he goes to them, get information about new research and treatments for his condition, follow his hobbies for the first time in years, and keep in touch with friends, family, and even his care team. He's now volunteering in the centre to help others make the most of technology in their own lives. In fact he's getting to be a more popular and enthusiastic tutor than I am!

Glen explains: "If you spend your life trapped in your own head, your world can get very small and very dark. Computers and the internet just opened it back up again. It was like turning a light on. I started off slowly using a website called myguide, and my confidence grew with my skills. I've not just found tools to help make my old life better, easier and more enjoyable, I've found a whole new life and a whole new me. Everything used to be about my illness, now it's about me as a person, and I've done things I never dreamed of. Just going for a run would have been impossible a few years ago - mentally and physically. It's still not always easy - some days are better than others - but no matter how stuck I get, or how exhausted or frustrated, I know I can achieve things and I know I can win. Well, maybe not the 10k run itself, but I can win over my OCD, and deal with its effects in a more positive way."

Peter and Glen have been using Google maps to plan training routes, and look at the Bristol 10k course. They've also been looking at nutrition and exercise tips on NHS Choices to build Glen's weight and strength ready for the race. What's more, they've been keeping a video diary of their progress, and you can follow their journey before and after the run at -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxUdoDhhkC8
There are hundreds of people in Bristol will mental health issues of some sort or another, and it's estimated one in four of us will have a mental health related problem in the course of our lifetime. But there's still a lot of prejudice out there, and a lot of people suffering in silence. Glen wants to see that change.

He says: "I can accept that some people think I'm a bit weird - Pete and I joke about it all the time. He has to help me when I get caught up in a ritual because I have difficulty with things like cracks in pavements, changes in surfaces and colours, shapes and shadows, which can make running a bit tricky! The thing is, it doesn't make me a bad person, or someone to be afraid of. How can people be afraid of a man who sometimes has a struggle to get out of his own front door?

"I don't want sympathy, but I do want people to have the opportunity to understand what living with a mental health problem is like. That's why we've done the diary. The marathon is a personal challenge but it's also a chance to raise a bit of awareness, of mental health issues in general and for the Windmill Hill City Farm UK online centre. I'd like to see more people using computers and the internet as a way to lift themselves over whatever obstacles are standing in their way. There is so much out there, so much information and potential support to guide you through. And trust me, if I can do it, anyone can!"

Peter says: "When you're talking about mental health issues, you're talking about long term relationships, small steps and patience. Glen isn't just taking small steps, he's taking on a 10k run! That's pretty amazing stuff. Despite so many obstacles that occur for Glen not only day by day but minute by minute, he is an inspiration to us all with his shear determination to knuckle down, tackle his problems and take on new challenges. The training has been very hard for him, but I know he'll do brilliantly. For me, he's the personification of mind over matter. I hope his efforts help people in Bristol think differently about mental health, and help inspire other sufferers."

If you want to follow in Glen's footsteps and see what computers and the internet could do for you, why not get in touch with Peter or Glen at the Windmill Hill City Farm UK online centre on 0117 9714768. If you're already online you can email info@windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk or go to www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk for more information about our opening times and activities.

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For more information please contact Abi Stevens at astevens@ufi.com or call 0778 666 0689.

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