My Story - Now Is The Time

Now is the time to give something back. As some of you know I have suffered with severe anxiety for a number of years and only recently admitted it and sought the help I needed.

Back in 2014, I had a breakdown. Not being able to cope with everyday activities properly and unable to work. With the proper medication, I returned to work after months off - not really realising what had happened. I carried on with my life, as if everything was normal again. Never admitting that there was ever a problem.

After years of 'just getting on with it' and not talking about it, I soon realised I couldn't just get on with it anymore.

In September I started a new job, shaking everyday with fear and painting on a smile. A smile, that I’m well known for. One day, (Wednesday 1st November to be exact) I went into work like normal. Only this time, the glass was full and overflowing. A simple question led to a serious breakdown. I couldn't do this anymore. Life came crashing down before me. I finally, after years of silence, said "I have a problem."

After some dark weeks mentally and time away from work, I sought the help I desperately needed. School had set up some counselling and now was the time to talk. Weeks passed, the sessions passed and I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I have been very lucky to have such a brilliant support network. I was able to open up and not feel judged - realising that mental health is something to not be embarrassed about. I am now able to talk about my mental health confidently and I am now in the happiest place I have been for years. I want to spread the message that it is ok to talk about your mental health.

So, now is the time to give something back. I want to raise money for MIND, an amazing charity that work with people and their mental health.

I will be running The Great Manchester Half Marathon on the 20th of May and The Great North Run on the 9th of September! However, I would like to raise money a little differently. For each target hit, I will be doing something a little bit out of the ordinary.

I can't thank everyone enough for the support, fundraising began 23.03.18 and I am truly over whelmed! My original target was £500 but that was smashed in 48hrs - incredible!! So the total has been increased (more than once) and more challenges added!!

Totals that are empty, are open to suggestions.

£50: Head shaven - DONE - 25.03.18

£100: Right leg waxed - DONE - 26.03.18

£150: Left leg waxed - DONE - 26.03.18

£200: Sit in an ice bath for 90 seconds - DONE - 29.03.18

£250: Armpit wax - DONE - 29.03.18

£300: Walk to school and back with the weight of a child on my back

£400: Chest waxed - DONE - 29.03.18

£450: Hockey goalie for an hour - DONE - 05.04.18

£500: Another kind of wax...OUCH! - DONE - 16.08.18

£550: Tattoo to mark the journey - DONE - 03.05.18

£600: Dawn till Dusk round of golf (14hrs) - DONE - 21.07.18

£700: Enter a stand-up comedian show

£750: Do the Asda shop in fancy dress

£800: Enter an open mic night - DONE - 01.04.18

£900: Walk up a mountain - DONE - 13.08.18

£1000: Blind eating contest

£1100: Custard pies in the face - DONE - 22.08.18

£1200: 12hr football match - DONE - 23.06.18

£1300: 25 laps of The Etihad Stadium

£1350: Run The Great Manchester Half Marathon - DONE - 20.05.18

£1400: Bungee jump

£1500: Run The Great North Run - DONE - 09.09.18

£1600: Walk to The Etihad Stadium on match day with 30kg on my back

£1800: 3 Lake Walk

£1900: Bike from Anfield to The Etihad Stadium

£2000: Child birth experience

£2100: Hockey Football Match - DONE - 22.08.18

£2200: The Etihad Tournament - DONE - 12.05.18

£2300: Dance in fancy dress for an hour

£3000: Charity Cricket Match - DONE - 19.08.18

£4000: North West Stadium Walk

5000: Run The Greater Manchester Half Marathon - DONE - 14.10.18

I will also be holding a raffle, so look out for the chance to purchase a ticket and to win a prize!

You can also text a donation, by texting BJMN90 and your donation amount to 70070

Thank you for taking the time to look at my page and listening to my story. 100% of your donation will go straight to the MIND Charity.

We have a voice, let's use it #MentalHealthAwareness