As some of you will know, these last few months have been the hardest and most painful of my life. During this time I made the decision to do something to keep me going, so that I had something to look forward to and to give me a sense of achievement. So, I have decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free standing mountain in the world!! I have never done anything like this before, but I am SO excited! I have paid for the trip myself but would love to use the opportunity to raise as much money as I can for mental health.

Mental illness can be silent and deadly - many people do not recognise it as people often do not show it. As a celebrity once said "I'm smiling on the outside but inside I'm dead". Its why mental illness is so hard - its primarily a hidden illness. People don't know the struggles and torment you are dealing with inside. There needs to be more awareness about mental health and education on how to help those suffering. As we all know there have been large cuts in funding for and training in mental health, which I think is appalling as it's just as vital as physical health. I myself have experienced some shocking care at a hospital where staff had absolutely no training in mental health and treated me appallingly. I want to help to do my part in changing this, and you can help too!

I am raising money for Heads Together - the mental health charity. Heads Together is a coalition of eight charity partners including Mind and YoungMinds. Heads Together is doing some amazing work in tackling stigma, raising awareness, and providing vital help for people with mental health challenges. This is so, so important. Please sponsor me and help power me up the mountain by donating towards great work being done for mental health. Thank you!

(NB I have paid for the trip myself with my savings so any money you give will go directly towards the mental health charity 🙂)

More info on Heads Together:
https://www.headstogether.org.uk