My brother Gavin was a kind, gentle soul and an avid blues supporter. He died a sudden and early death at the age of 44 on 20.6.2024. He experienced significant childhood adversity, the trauma resulted in mental health difficulties and a lifetime of input from services. In his childhood and early adulthood he received support that was relational and therapeutic from CAMHS solihull and birmingham, and an organisation called Richmond Fellowship. This enabled him to access education, work, volunteer, socalise and even reduce medication. Richmond Fellowshio in particular understood my brothers symptoms as being linked to his past experiences.

Adult services was a different experience, he spent years in and out of psychiatric hospitals and moving as placements would break down. His medication steadily increased, and his functioning and quality of life declined. In the last couple of years of his life his physical health was comparible to that of someone a few decades older. In the last years of his life he was

loved and well cared for by Thistley Lodonly the in Leamington Spa; however the formulation if why he struggled had not been held by services and he developed type 2 diabetes, had a stroke and lost his sight. He passed away of a rare lung infection due to his vulnerability. He is testiment, sadly to the effect ACES have on life expectancy.

My career has span 22 years as a mental health nurse and therapist working with young people to change trajectories like this. My wish now is to continue to advocate also through my brothers memory for services to address the root cause of distress, rather than treating symptoms; in a trauma informed way.

The money raised will be shared between 2 incredible charities:

https://www.wavetrust.org/

https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk/