One of my oldest and closest friends passed away earlier this year from an alcohol-related illness. He was the kindest, funniest, most gentle person I have known – a unique character. As I have reflected on my memories of him, I’ve realised that he had been suffering for an extended period of time. I question whether there was more I should have done, and what support – both physical and mental – could have been drawn upon to best help him. 

There are many other people who suffer from connected mental and physical health issues. Hence, I am raising money to support WeAreWithYou - a charity designed to provide targeted support to those who need to be heard and supported. This includes the carers of sufferers, who often work tirelessly out of love and are unseen and unheard. 

To start with I am giving up alcohol for a year in solidarity with those who are similarly affected. I am also open to other fundraising and awareness-raising opportunities if you would like to collaborate in support of this cause.

Every penny you give will help support people to change their lives for the better.

➔ £8.40 could pay for one support session with a trained advisor through the WeAreWithYou Webchat service.
➔ £18 could save someone's life by providing a naloxone kit which can reverse the effects of an overdose.
➔ £40 could pay to deliver an alcohol or drug prevention work in a school assembly or workshop.
➔ £100 could pay for a course of vaccination for Hepatitis B.
➔ £423 could provide one person with all the support they need to recover from problems with alcohol, drugs or their mental health. 

If you’d like to sponsor me, donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.