Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I'll be playing my tunes and some covers using Periscope the live streaming software .  It'll be recorded live but replays are always available at http://www.periscope.tv/Slow_Smile

Since the age of 10 I've been aware of mental illness when my mum was forcibly taken from our house as she was having a breakdown.  Her mother committed suicide just around the time I was born - no connection hopefully!  Mum was bipolar so at times it was very difficult for her (and us).  Her psychiatrist was amazing and I don't think she would have lasted long without his listening skills and knowledge of medicine.

This is a thank you to all the medical consultants, nurses, other professionals and volunteers who look after our friends and relatives and normally lovely people who enter the horrors of mental illness, becoming strange and sometimes violent caricatures of their former selves.

In addition one of our foster daughters had children with her schizophrenic boyfriend who used to self harm.  More often than not he lived in a caravan or tent as he was unable to maintain a steady relationship with anyone due to the fact that he was convinced he didn't need his medication - a familiar story among sufferers.  I also know many other sufferers and realise how common this illness is.

My GP said 'Mental illness isn't hereditary but living with sufferers might cause symptoms to rub off'.  I have my ups and downs and find life goes a little better with a (very small) spoon of Citalopram :)

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, your money goes directly MIND.  So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank You!

Gary