Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I was recently nominated by an old school friend and a Karate colleague to participate in the 22 press-ups for 22 days to raise awareness of the suicide rate of forces veterans, which I am very proud to do.

Me being me though, I had to research the figures and this is what I found:

In the U.S.A. it is estimated that 22 veterans per day take their own lives.

In 2012,  21 serving UK soldiers and 29 veterans committed suicide compared with 40 killed in action. 

This then got me thinking ; What about all the other suicides that tragically occur and what about all the people they effect.... Children that lose a parent, parents that lose a child, siblings that lose a brother or sister, soul mates that lose a husband, wife or partner, plus the circle of friends, acquaintances and colleagues.

The Samaritans research shows that in 2014 there were 6,581 suicides in the UK and NI. Imagine the total amount of broken hearts this amounts too.... 

So I've decided to extend my 22 press-ups a little bit and will do them every day from the 29th of July until my 50th birthday on 14th January 2017. A Total of:

170 days and 3,740 press ups. 

I would ideally like to raise £1 for every press-up I do and all donations will go directly to The Samaritans.

The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for those who find themselves alone with whatever stress or strain life is putting upon them. How many people The Samaritans have prevented from taking their own lives is anyone's guess but let's help make sure they can continue this amazing voluntary work.