Hello,

Many thanks for taking the time to stop by my JustGiving page. On the 20th October, I will be running the Yorkshire Marathon on behalf of York Mind to help raise funds for a valuable cause; supporting those with mental health issues on the pathway towards recovery.

The last 2 years have been turbulent for both myself and my family. During this time I experienced loss of loved ones, breakdown in relationships with family and friends, work-related pressures and a brush with the law. Over time, I found myself becoming a more insular and negative person which in turn affected the lives of myself and those closest to me.  I came very close to losing everything that meant the most to me, and had reached a crossroads in my life where I needed to make some significant changes and choices.

At the beginning of the year I began to see a counsellor to talk through a number of anxiety and anger issues I had been dealing with, and shortly after this started I was diagnosed with depression.  I was so scared to admit my condition to others, but can honestly say that without the love and support of my family; particular my loving wife Rachel and amazing son Joshua, I would not have been able to able to face up to this, and begin to turn my life around.

Depression and anxiety affect more than just the individual suffering from it, and that should never be forgotten. Nor should anyone have to go through it in silence or alone. I was lucky enough to have the love and support of my family to help me with my condition; but not everyone is lucky enough to have this.  Without the efforts of York Mind, many in the Yorkshire region would not have access to counselling, support and treatment to help them address their mental health concerns and start on the road to recovery.

It's for this reason that I am supporting York Mind; not just to raise much needed funds and support, but to show that #itsoknottobeok, and to provide that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.  All donations, no matter how small, would be greatly received and will go to help a fantastic charity!

Craig

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