Thomas Dunning is a passionate mental health activist, fuelled to break the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Having suffered with mental health himself, diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder and PTSD, Thomas is making it his mission to ensure that no one struggling with their mental health feels alone. As a mental health speaker, Thomas brings an authentic and passionate viewpoint to the topic and pushes the message of ‘healthy body, healthy mind’.
Having struggled with mental illness, Thomas unfortunately has attempted to take his own life. In a bid to help his recovery, Thomas founded Mental Health Runner, using his passion of running to help both himself and others find a form of escapism. In partnership with Mental Health Runner, Thomas has also become a popular keynote event speaker delivering speeches to top clients to help change how mental health and illness is perceived. In his darkest days, Thomas felt as though he was alone and the only one suffering with mental illness. So, Thomas now works to help people have access to the right support that they need to overcome their struggles, and to support, motivate and inspire people to keep on going.
Thomas is also the founder of the First Steps Forward Programme, helping individuals who have been diagnosed with mental health issues to put on their trainers and find their own happiness in running. Thomas has also forged a reputation as a popular and award-winning mental health blogger. He has previously been winner of Safety and Health Practitioner Trailblazer of the year, North Kesteven District Council contribution to health and wellbeing Award and Lincolnite’s 30 under 30 inspirational award to name a few , and has also authored Surviving the War Against Yourself. Thomas has also claimed the Active Lincolnshire Active Change Award, started Run Talk Run Lincolnshire and had been appointed as the Service User Governor for Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Thomas is also a member of the Brooks Run Happy Team, and a qualified Leader in Running Fitness with Athletics England.