Caroline Flack’s close friend Natalie Pinkham still feels her presence around her and often wonders “What would Flacky do?” in moments of decision-making. Natalie helped set up the Flackstock Festival in 2022, and she misses Caroline’s friendship, company, and laughter. She will be running the London Marathon in honor of her late friend, raising awareness about mental health. Caroline’s tragic passing in 2020 had a profound impact on Natalie, who now thinks about mental health every day, especially concerning her children. She believes in open conversations about mental health and wants to encourage her kids to talk openly about their feelings.
The tragedy of Caroline’s death and the establishment of Flackstock have led Natalie to realize the importance of providing continuous support for mental health issues. She understands the need for ongoing care and recovery pathways for those struggling with mental health challenges. Natalie acknowledges that more needs to be done to support individuals facing mental health issues, especially considering the gaps in mental health provisions for youth. Caroline’s friends and family are in talks with officials and advocates for improving mental health care, emphasizing the necessity for timely and effective mental health support.
Natalie, who had limited experience running, is training for the marathon as a way to process her grief and raise awareness about mental health. She finds running therapeutic and emotional, reflecting on Caroline’s memory, those affected by mental health issues, and the Samaritans charity. While acknowledging her privileged position of being able to focus on her family and work, Natalie is inspired by Caroline’s family members who face the reality of not seeing her every day. She feels grateful for the relationships formed through Caroline and acknowledges the importance of supporting each other through difficult times.
The London Marathon will see many celebrities, including Natalie, running for various charitable causes. The event aims to raise awareness about mental health and support organizations like the Samaritans. Celebrities such as Joel Dommett, Laura Hamilton, Jamie Borthwick, and Emma Barton will also be participating. The marathon serves as a platform to advocate for mental health awareness and support, showcasing the importance of discussing, addressing, and promoting mental well-being. By running for the Samaritans and honoring Caroline’s memory, Natalie hopes to continue the conversation around mental health and support those in need.
Natalie’s dedication to raising awareness for mental health through running the London Marathon and organizing the Flackstock Festival demonstrates her commitment to supporting those struggling with mental health challenges. By keeping Caroline’s memory alive and advocating for improved mental health care, Natalie aims to create a lasting impact and provide ongoing support for individuals facing mental health issues. The marathon and Flackstock serve as platforms for promoting mental health awareness, destigmatizing conversations around mental well-being, and encouraging individuals to seek help and support when needed. Through their efforts, Natalie and Caroline’s friends and family aim to create a legacy of compassion, empathy, and support for mental health initiatives.
