Hi, my name is Josh and I am 12 years old.   I have suffered from depression for over four years since my dad was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a very aggressive brain tumour. He died two years ago and it hit me incredibly hard. I felt alone and sad all the time and was diagnosed with depression shortly afterwards.

The thing is, you can't see if someone has a mental illness which means you don't know why they might be quiet, withdrawn or sad. When you are depressed it is difficult to concentrate at school or join in with your friends. I don't know why, but it just is.

I am still struggling now, but exercise has started to make me feel a little bit better. After the lockdown started, I began cycling each day as my hour of exercise and to escape the house. Whilst I was riding I was thinking that lots more children will probably be affected by mental health problems because of the pandemic so decided to help others.

I have set myself the challenge of cycling the equivalent of Lands End to John O'Groats on my bike which is 1083 miles by road whilst trying to raise £1083 to help other children who are affected by depression triggered by the lockdown, or because they lost a parent like me. 

There is very little help for kids with mental health problems and waiting lists are really, really long - trust me, I know. I am raising money to help others but also to say a massive thank you to those people who have helped me start to feel better, including my doctors, my teachers and my best friends. You are all awesome!

Can you help me make a difference? I'm raising money in aid of Young Minds Trust and every donation will help. They are a mental health charity that specialises in helping kids like me. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that I know is helping thousands of young people who are suffering in silence.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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