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One in four of us will experience mental health issues in our lifetime.

Most of us are aware of the increase in rates of suicide in the past couple of years.

During the pandemic, I was not alone in my experience of isolation, depression and loneliness - the ghastly silence of the phone never ringing. Those of us without children or partners, who live far from relatives and friends were forgotten, and not included in "bubbles" or support groups. I posted on my social media that I thought that I would die from hug starvation before I died from Covid. The daily walk became my lifesaver, enabling me to say hello to strangers as I trekked up and down the beach.

Having experienced the depths of despair that accompany sudden and unsupported, unexpected retirement, loss of identity and self-worth, I want to help to provide more funds to support others with similar stories to mine; those singletons who are often forgotten, not old enough for the Silverline, not quite desperate enough for the Samaritans, but who yearn to hear a friendly familiar voice; a happy cheerful phone call rather than only receiving text messages and group WhatsApps with other people's endless photos of family gatherings: a dagger in the heart whilst sitting alone with yet another solitary meal. MIND provides these lifelines through its network of local groups and services and I aim to raise enough money to fund one of its support lines or legal assistance lines for a year. 

Everyone knows that mental health issues increased massively during the pandemic, but the focus is often on the young, or the elderly and housebound. Don't forget those of us in the middle, who may have lost jobs, retired early because of health issues, been bereaved and no longer have the support network experienced during their working lives or former relationships! Depression is a very lonely place and when one is depressed, it is much harder to ask for help and really easy to sink into the depths. 

Despite my ongoing physical issues, causing me continual pain and numbness in my feet, I am determined to take on this gruelling trek.  I started my 500 mile journey solo on foot across the Pyrenees at the beginning of September, aiming to reach Santiago de Compostela by 10th October. It will also be a spiritual journey, as I consider my purpose in life. Please support me in this, the longest and most arduous physical and mental challenge I have ever undertaken in my 65 years!

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