Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. This year as part of my participation in the UK Forum Charity Allstars ice hockey tournament, I'll be playing on behalf of MIND - the mental health charity. Playing over 8 games of hockey in 2 days, raising awareness showing that mental health IS all around us, sometimes more than we know or care to let on in the UK. 

1 in 4 people, yes 25% of all on the planet suffer at some point from mental health issues in their life. Mental health is something that can't always be seen or heard, but we are playing to show that its OK to not be OK sometimes and that help is there for when you need it no matter when or why. It could be PTSD, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, Depression itself, a number of different words and names, but its all under the one banner of mental health, and with MIND, they aim to change the stigma, and to help everyone that approaches them for help no matter how big or small that they need. 

I've been one of those people, and to this day still am. Bullying at school, tough times growing up not speaking to many people. Losing lifelong friends from wars with people I served with in the Army. It wasn't until later in life in my 20's that it started to sink in and hit me on and off. Recently I've had a resurgence of it while keeping it from my family and friends to try and protect them from what i felt was a failure as a friend and family member. I've battled it quietly apart from my girlfriend knowing and helping me, who also has had her struggles with depression as well. She's kept me on track and made me the man I am today which I'm proud to say is why I'm here fundraising for this charity to show my gratitude, and respect to those who play a part in helping tackle mental health head on. With taking part in this weekend. I've grown the courage to say, yes I am a sufferer of mental health... yes I am fighting it, and with your help, we can fight it together across the country.

In the coming months I will be doing a lot of different things over the next few months to show you that its all about hard work to receive this from you. 

During my time fundraising, i'll be carrying out walks from ice rink to ice rink, charity events, Facebook live videos, scratchcards where YOU can win money and give to charity at the same time. I'll be keeping weekly updates as well as pictures of what we have been upto this week regarding our fundraising both individually, and as a team throughout.

Be kind, be thoughtful, because you never know what the person next to you is going through 

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and please give what you can, it all goes to helping the greatest cause I know. The help for the battle against Mental Health, and WE CAN WIN IT!