For those of you who don’t know my story, here is my connection to this amazing charity. 

The end of 2020/beginning of 2021 was by far the hardest and worse time of my life. Truth is I shouldn’t be standing here today. There is a particular week in January 2021 that to this day I don’t know how I survived it. All I know is I don’t take it for granted for one second. My suicidal thoughts were so intense and overwhelming that the thought of no one or nothing I loved could stop me from wanting to leave this world behind. And yet somehow, I am here telling my story. Fast forward to a few months later, when I am building myself back up brick by brick in any small way that feels like a right step, and not knowing if it’s going to work or if I’ll fall all the way back down in a minute. Truth is… I did. Multiple times. And every time felt worse than the last. Like I was more and more numb to the idea of suicide, and it was becoming a part of me. The only option. But in between those falls were glimmers of hope and positivity and learning to love myself and what I wanted living to look like. I started to learn how to deal with these and making sure I understood my thoughts and feelings were temporary. And then I knew I wanted to live, and not just survive, truly thrive more that the previous me could’ve ever imagined…

…exactly a year later, I am able and so willing to share my story with total transparency, whilst being off antidepressants, and without feeling the need for therapy. In fact I am currently writing this sitting in Phuket, Thailand ready to set sail for the Maldives; living everyday to the fullest whether I’m home in London and Brighton or somewhere beautiful around the world… and soon on top of Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa! 

I can safely and happily say I have come out the other side of what you have read above, and in the healthiest strongest way I could’ve prayed for! But this does not mean we do not all face challenging days, and whether it is due to external circumstances or mental state, they are equally valid and if you ever feel unsafe with yourself- tell someone!! Now!! It will feel like the most impossible, hardest thing you can do, but the most necessary and believe me you’ll be so grateful to yourself that you did, when you are feeling even slightly better! 

And that is why I have chosen to support Grassroots Suicide Prevention in my summit of Kili. Not only do they help countless people in their darkest hours, but they allow them to save themselves and learn how to cope with suicide/depression/anxiety/bereavement. Countless thousands have downloaded their StayAlive app; have attended their Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) course; and supported their Ask Now Save Lives campaign. 

Please help us reach SO many more and develop even more resources and help those who need our attention and compassion. Every little bit of awareness might save a life, and in turn also those of the individuals who would grieve that person. 

So please help me raise as much money as possible! Any donation, however big or small will make the biggest difference to those in pain today. Thank you so so much in advance! 

FROM GRASSROOTS:

When someone has thoughts of suicide, connecting with others can make all the difference. But reaching out can feel impossible. So many people go through this pain alone.That’s why preventing suicide means working together. Together, we can fight dangerous stigma that stops people talking about suicide. Together, we can learn to recognise and support those at risk, and connect them with a network of lifesaving services. Together, we can prevent suicide. Grassroots works to make sure nobody has to go through thoughts of suicide alone.