Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

It was 18 years ago this January that my brother Mark took his own life and I wanted to do something to honour him, his life and how utterly brilliant and lovely he was!

Some startling, shocking and upsetting statistics that I have recently discovered during my research into #MentalHealth in the UK...

• Over three quarters of people who kill themselves are men (Ref: ONS)
• Men are nearly 50% more likely than women to be detained and treated compulsorily as psychiatric inpatients (Ref: Information Centre)
• Men have measurably lower access to the social support of friends, relatives and community (Ref: R. Boreham and D. Pevalin)

So.... to Mark, or 'Drum' as everyone called him, friends and family alike.

Years before Drum passed he had a serious motorcycle accident, where he was treated for his extensive injuries at the intensive care ward at Frimley Park Hospital. Drum wanted to raise money to thank the ICU team. As you'll see in his photo, Drum had lovely long curly hair - so in order to raise money for the hospital and to say thank you, he shaved off all his hair for charity.

So, for my brother and for my 45th birthday this year (19th August), I will be aiming to raise £4,500 for Mind, in memory of Drum and for all those who find everyday life a struggle with Mental Health.

With your help and support, we have one month to fund raise - before I too shave off my hair for charity and for my brother.

Stay tuned for more information about my fundraising over the next 4 weeks. 

Thank you so much for reading, for your time and your support.

and remember... Mental Health affects us all. How we think and feel about ourselves and our lives impacts on our behaviour and how we copy in tough times. It affects our ability to make the most of the opportunities that come our way and play a full part amongst our family, workplace, community and friends. It's also closely linked with our physical health. Whether we call it well-being, emotional welfare or mental health, it's key to living a fulfilling life.

If you'd like more information about mental health, or about Mind's work, visit mind.org.uk

For details of help and support in your local area, contact their infoline on 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.

Registered charity (no. 219830) and registered company (no. 424348) in England and Wales.