Following the sudden passing of my mum in Aug 2021 and a few weeks later handing over my last job after a 26-year Royal Navy career, I decided to take on a big physical challenge - running the West Highland Way in a day.

I have trained long and hard over the last year; in the gym, on the roads and Scotland's amazing highland trails. I think I'm ready to give it a go and wish to use this challenge to raise money for mental health.  So I selected a charity that was personal but also supporting the organisation that provided me with a long and rewarding career.  Here's a little more about it........

James Simpson (known as Jim) was a Captain in the Royal Navy Submarine Service. He was hugely respected by those who had the honour of working with him and was a wonderful husband and father to his two children. In 2020 Jim's family, friends and colleagues were left shocked and completely devastated when he tragically took his own life at the age of 44. The news of Jim's death sent shock waves through the entire submarine community with everyone left stunned and struggling to comprehend how this had happened to someone like Jim; someone who had shown no indication that his mental health was suffering and a man who excelled at everything in life, from his career, to being father and everything in-between. HELP - Jim's Story has been set up by Jim's family and friends under the umbrella of The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity with the aim of trying to identify and support serving sailors and marines who may be suffering in silence.