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Depression affects 1 in 5 of the population at some time in their life. It affects the body as well as the mind and is a debilitating time for the person as well as their family and friends.

I was listening to Radio 5 Live in July and heard a very impressive interview with Rupert Young who had set up a charity called The Mood Foundation - http://www.moodfoundation.com/

I decided to contact the Foundation which has been set up to offer free assessment and treatment for depressive conditions. It is extremely difficult to diagnosis depression and to get treatment so many people end up spending hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds on private treatment.

In August I received an invitation from Rupert at the Mood Foundation to attend a free  weekend of meetings with a small group of people. Rupert was there in a very supportive role and J J O'Brien led us through his understanding of depression and the way to get better.  JJ gave, what to me, are the 3 essentials to recovery - UNDERSTANDING, TOOLS and SUPPORT. The "understanding" was a gradual process over a day and a half; the "tools" came on the Sunday afternoon and the "support" is 2-fold via the Foundation and the group who were on the course.  I am positive it was a life-changing experience for all the people on the course.

I have decided to raise funds for the Mood Foundation and I have entered the Mortimer (near Reading) 8km walk on 27 September with Simon, my son, doing the 10km run and Nuria, his girlfriend, accompanying me on the walk (unfortunately, my daughter and son-in-law already had other plans). Please feel more than welcome to join me on the day by going to http://www.readingroadrunners.org/

Please pass this email on to as many people as you can - I shall be most grateful!

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So please dig deep and donate now. Thank you - Joan Maddrell