I know many people, including myself, that have experienced some form of mental illness, be that short or long term. 

But I’d like to tell you Simon’s story.

Simon is Ben’s (my partner) uncle. He is 43 years old & lives with his mum and Aunty. He loves Nottingham Forest, Adidas clothing, Scooby (Ben’s 15 year old Jack Russell), TV and he really, really loves Christmas.

Simon has regular Schizophrenic episodes due to drug misuse from his younger years. His comfort is listening to 90's pop or watching TV in his bedroom - he hardly ever leaves the house and has never used a smart phone! This is because he thinks everyone is talking about him, people he used to know & strangers in the street. He tells us that voices tell him that people in the family are saying unkind things about him, but we all reassure him that they aren’t.

When we visit, I love it when Simon comes out his bedroom to join in the conversation. We get to learn things about him, not just who he is today but what he was like when he was younger - his recollection of running down the runway in Majorca and being held by Spanish Police with huge firearms was scary for him at the time but how we envisage it when he tells the story today never fails to amuse us all! 

Because of his Schizophrenia, Simon has to dig deep for his inner mental strength just to walk out his front door once in a blue moon with his support worker. That’s MY inspiration - if Simon can find his strength, I can find my strength (mentally & physically) to take on this challenge and help raise money for Rethink Mental Illness who help & support people like Simon and his family.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Your donation is very much appreciated.