After being diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, a mum from Bromley decided to raise money for mental health by walking 131 miles in less than two weeks.
Cassandra Baker was first diagnosed with ADHD just over three years ago – and since then, she has become a mental health advocate and aspires to “beam positivity” across south east London.
Last week, the 45-year-old completed walking five marathons across 13 days, raising money for the Mental Health Foundation.
In total, she has raised more than £7,000 for charities during and after the national lockdown.
Cassandra told the News Shopper she wanted to take part in the walking challenge to “raise awareness” for mental health.
She said: “Having ADHD is a super power; but like any power, it comes with responsibility.
“With my ADHD, it means that if I focus on something, I will put all of my efforts into it – like walking these 131 miles.
“Persistence is what makes me successful.
“I’m wanting to raise £2,000 on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation – this is because we all face mental health issues and sometimes our thoughts can get the better of us.
“So far I have raised over £600 and donations are still being made.
“I think it is important to surround each other with uniqueness and positivity.”
Cassandra told the News Shopper that her two children, George, eight, and Saffron, nine, teamed up with her to walk some of the miles.
Cassandra said: “My two children have been supporting me every step of the way and have joined me on the walking challenge.
“My daughter has ADHD too, so it’s important for me to show her how much we can achieve if we put our minds to it.
“I’m currently working on a book that I’ve dedicated to my children, it’s about life being human.
“There’s chapters that focus on gratitude, mental health and forgiveness – which intends to cover the philosophy of life.”
Cassandra has raised more than £600 for the marathon challenge and is aiming to reach a goal of £2,000.
Prior to this, Cassandra has raised thousands of pounds for multiple charities during lockdown, including the Little Princess Trust Fundraiser, the NHS, and several fundraisers for the Mental Health Foundation.
Her persistent work with charities combined with the recent marathon challenge has led Cassandra to raise more than £7,000.
During the national lockdown, Cassandra stayed determined to raise money, although working all hours and "struggling to save money".
She added: “At one point, I was working 80 to 100 hours a week, but was scrimping to save money.
“I had to close my salon during the lockdown. “I had no money, no savings, and had every right to feel sad.
“But instead, I got up and raised over two thousand pounds for the NHS.
“I hold the subject of mental health so close to my heart, as my daughter has ADHD, it’s so important to raise awareness and send uplifting messages.
“Whether it’s through positive quotes, baking brownies, running marathons, or visiting people, I love to reach out and share kindness to those who need it.
“I just love people; I think they are amazing.
“I am Cassandra Baker, the ultimate dream maker, and my gift, is to uplift.”
Cassandra, who owns a beauty salon in Bromley, maintains a “positive” outlook on life, as she says “your thoughts help create the world you live in.”
She explained: “We all deserve love and approval with no judgement.
“We are all challenged with opinions, and it is important to remember who you are.
“I had really colourful childhood, but it wasn't perfect.
“But the imperfect moments have made me who I am today.
“I think humans are like magnets; we are attracting things all of the time - the good, the weird, the bad, the indifferent.
“When people say ‘it’s not personal’ it kind of is, because everything is personal to you.
“Without you, your world doesn't exist.”
During the lockdown, Cassandra and her children created a ‘kindness factory’, which involved delivering packages of cakes, flowers and letters encouraging kindness.
The mother of two radiates a “caring and positive energy” across Bromley and continues to raise awareness by fundraising.
Cassandra said: “We all need to realise we're all one big family.
“If we forgive, we can move on.
“Sometimes we need to keep our faith and hope that things are always working out for us, no matter how things appear.”
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