Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Mental Health is something that's very close to my heart. I suffered with depression when I was younger and know how debilitating it can be.  But the main reason for me taking on this challenge is to help young people like my son.  He has suffered for many years now with severe depression, self-harming and suicidal thoughts.  It started when he was 14 and it's still a big challenge for him now at 23.  He's given his consent to me sharing this in the hope that it helps others, encourages people to open up and speak out, as he is now starting to do himself.

Did you know that 75% of Mental Health illness starts before the age of 18?   

I was shocked and alarmed at the very little support that is available, either private or through the NHS.  We have all struggled tremendously for the last 9 years, trying to find the right support and help for our son and for us.  We are still looking!

I feel helpless and like I and the "system" are letting my son (and everyone else suffering with Mental Health) down.  As a mother, you want to help and take the pain away, but how?

Mental Health UK formed just over 2 years ago and in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group, they have raised over £9m already! Together they are creating a legacy, building resources and providing services that are here to stay.

They've launched a Money Advice line which over 1100 people have already benefited from, saving on average £1000 each!  Over 200k people have used the online resources already.  

Support Groups have been launched across the UK, 15 new face to face support groups have been set-up in isolated areas during 2018 and 25 more are due to open by 2020.

262k Information Guides have been issued to GP Practices around the country.

In 2019, the focus is on helping young people, giving them the tools and skills to manage key transitions in their lives, helping to empower them and to help prevent long term illness in the future.

The Trek will be both physically and emotionally challenging for me, with temperatures in the mid to high 30's, monsoon rain and 100% humidity in most areas! But with your support and encouragement, I'm sure I'll reach my fund raising target, raise awareness of Mental Health, help reduce the stigma associated with it and enable Mental Health UK to continue investing in services to help the younger generation.

THANK YOU for taking the time to read my story.  And if you do decide to donate, no matter how large or small your donation is, I truly appreciate it! Every single penny helps!

PS Lloyds Banking Group are paying 100% of my travel costs, so every single penny I raise, goes to this amazing charity!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.