I lost my grandad to suicide. And whilst this is the cause of most deaths in men under the age of 49, it just goes to show that suffering with mental health problems can affect anyone at any age. In my early teens, I was too young to spot the signs. To me, my grandad just wasn't himself. And losing him left a hole in both mine and my family's hearts. If only I knew more back then about spotting the symptoms and therefore could have intervened. But with the powerful sources of material out there through campaigns, social media, stories and charities, we are better educated and can each play our part in looking out for ourselves and one another. Even if it's just by asking the person next to you in the office, or at a train or bus station, how they are or how their day is going. 

Experiencing this taught me how important and how helpful it can be to talk. I fully stand by the saying "a problem shared is a problem halved". 

Mental health is real and I think it's a huge step forward that as a society, we are recognising it more and more and are accepting the fact that it's ok to talk and it's ok to at times, not be 'ok'. 

My friends and family know that I love to run, hike in the hills and bombard Facebook with my photos along the way! I enjoy pushing myself, even it that means going outside of my comfort zone. So with my love for the Lake District and being in the great outdoors, I knew this would be the perfect challenge for me. 50 miles in 24 hours, covering 4000m ascent from the north to the south of the lakes. Boy, what a challenge ahead of me! Will it be easy? No. Will it be worth it? A thousand times, yes. I will also have my supportive boyfriend next to me the whole way round, motivating me along the way. Jamie. He's been my rock over the last 7 years; my shoulder to cry on and my sounding board for when I'm going through my own battles. 

Mind are funded by shop profit, grants, donations, legacies and challenge events. Thanks to the support they receive, they are able to grow at a time where mental health awareness is increasing and more people are seeking help. That support needs to continue, which is why I'm taking part in this challenge for Mind, and hopefully raising as much money as I can. I sadly know too many people who have experienced the loss of a loved one through suffering with mental health problems. So I want to support Mind with the work they do and the care they provide, to help save more lives.

Thank you so much for hearing my story. Any donations would be hugely appreciated, and thank you in advance for supporting this great cause.