The reason I have chosen to raise money for the charity MIND is on behalf of my daughter Aaliyah.

In 2012, she was persuaded to go to the doctors about her emotional welfare and general safety. It was then that Aaliyah was referred to attend counselling and here was diagnosed with depression, social anxiety and OCD.

As a parent, you start to question what you have done wrong? Why does your child who you thought was always a happy and content little girl, albeit shy, now felt so low and alone she had considered leaving everyone she loves permanently?

Being someone myself that has never had those kind of feelings or emotions, my first response was defensive and negative as you think I haven’t done anything wrong, it’s not my fault so I responded with “but you have nothing to be depressed about" or "It’s just part of growing up” or “it’s cos you’re a girl, you’re bound to feel emotional"

It was only after attending sessions with Aaliyah that you see that it is an illness, not something that can be cured, and that with the right help only then can you start to fight back and try to control it, so understanding a mental illness when you don’t have one yourself and you do not know anyone that has one is very hard, so trying to help or support someone when you are ignorant to their needs is virtually impossible. Which is why charities such as MIND are so vital to people suffering with mental illness.

Luckily, Aaliyah discovered through research the amazing charity MIND, which aims to make sure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect they need and deserve. It was this that started Aaliyah’s road to recovery and she was able to not only talk to their helplines, but also learn more about her Mental Health Disorders which has completely changed her as a person.

Mental illness does not have a set criteria of people that can suffer from them, they don’t choose to feel that way and most importantly, it isn't their fault and there is no shame in seeking help.

A staggering 1 in 4 people in England suffer from a Mental Health Disorder showing just how important the stigma around Mental Health needs to change sooner rather than later.

So, I have decided to take part in The Prudential Ride London cycle sportive on Sunday 29th July 2018 to support and raise money for the charity Mind, so that people are able to get the support they need whether for research or just importantly, an ear that will listen to them.

Also, that we can start to change the negative stigma that surrounds conditions such as depression and anxiety so that others are able to confide in someone and, most importantly, speak out about how they are feeling without shame.

My target to reach is £500, so please can you donate as little or as much as you possibly can as this is such an amazing charity, and by doing so, you are not only supporting me, but also Aaliyah and millions of others who need guidance and support, and not judgement!

Let’s end the stigma around mental health, and help get the support and respect all sufferers with a Mental Illness deserve!

Thank you for your support

Dan

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