It's true that you don't know what you have until its gone. In September last year my dear friend Jon took his own life through issues with mental health..

I was lucky to meet him at University 25 years ago and we have been friends since. Jon was a father, husband, son, brother, colleague and friend to many.

Jon did not deserve this, nor do others. Mental health affects 1 in 4 adults in the UK. It's fair to say awareness and acceptance has grown immeasurably over recent years, yet more can be done. I want to help so I set myself three goals.

1) Do something in Jon's memory that is out of the ordinary. With a group of friends, I am cycling from Warrington (Jon's home town) to Newcastle upon Tyne (where we all met), c180 miles. 

2) Raise awareness of mental health to 1,000 people. Through communications at work, with family and friends I expect to exceed this.

3) Raise some money. I have set a £180 target. That's 100 people sponsoring me  penny a mile and no more. 

Thanks for your support, Mark.