Recently I have wanted to take part in a charity event to raise money and awareness for an organisation that helps individuals deal with stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Throughout my life I have personally seen the impact mental health issues have on individuals, couples and families. With myself, my family and friends all having been effected by some form of mental health issues in the past. I have seen firsthand the outcome of those that feel unable to speak up and ask for help including more recently somebody very close to me has been effected by a range of issues around mental health, adding to my desire to help and support those with this illness. The recent death of Robin Williams also highlighted the seriousness of mental health issues whilst also showing that people from all walks of life, be it rich, poor, old, young or a famous movie star, can all be affected by this silent illness.

I feel now is a good time to try to make a difference to support this charity, as recently it has helped the individual close to my heart in a fantastic way. The hardest part of dealing with the mental health issues is for those affected to firstly take that first step and seek for help, which is made possible through this charity. I would be entirely grateful for any support and sponsors for this fantastic local charity, not to mention that I absolutely hate to run and being pretty old now (30!!!) I will not find this easy, but I know every penny will count towards making someone’s life better.