Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and helping me to support MIND ❤️ I really do appreciate it. I have wanted to do something for MIND for a long time and I would like to share with you my determination for taking on this challenge... 

I am a sufferer - although I prefer the term warrior - of depression and anxiety 💪. Those who know me, will know that my life has been something of a roller-coaster, taking a particular deep dive over the last few years. I have good days and I have bad days. And some days my greatest achievement is simply getting out of bed and just being. I am not always okay and I've learnt that that is okay too. 

Depression and anxiety are a major part of my life but I refuse to be defined by them. I am still me. But sometimes explaining that to people can be the scariest thing. Mental health is such a grey area that is difficult to understand, unless someone is personally or knows people who are affected by it. It's taken me a long time to understand myself and somedays I'm not even sure I can do that. And that's just me. So many people close to me are also affected by their own demons. But it's even wider than that. 

A few months ago I got back in touch with an old school friend after probably around 10 years. He was having a particularly tough time and came to be a huge part of my life over the days that followed. I wanted nothing more than to take his pain away and for him to have a life he loved. Talking to him gave me the determination to actually do something for a cause that I care so much about. So I signed up for the trek. 100km over two days around the Isle of Wight to raise money for MIND. 

But I never got to tell him about it. As quick as this amazing guy came back into my life he had gone again. He found peace for himself but he has left behind great sadness and many wandering what ifs. It breaks my heart that I will now be doing this hike in his memory 💔 I know that doing this isn't going to bring him back (as much as i wish it would) but I do hope that it will help people to understand that you never know what is going on behind someone's smile. 

This hike is going to be quite a personal journey and I greatly appreciate everyone's support along the way. I want so much to do as much as I can to support MIND in their work that often goes along without the recognition it deserves. If the last few weeks have taught me anything it's to look after yourself, do what makes you happy and hold on to the people and memories that are important to you. Life is short so make every moment count ❤️

So... This is for you Connor. You keep shining bright and I will see you at the finish line ❤️✨

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