Vaila Whittaker

Vaila's Husky Challenge

Fundraising for Manchester Mind
£4,293
raised of £4,000 target
Donations cannot currently be made to this page
In memory of Matthew Rustigini
Manchester Mind

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1102058
We offer free support and advice services to people experiencing mental health issues

Story

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So what will I be doing???

I will be travelling from Norway to Sweden through the snow on Huskies. Temperatures will drop to -25 degrees and I will have to camp in these temperatures. The event will take place from 25/03/2016 -01/04/16. The event will take me 6 days to complete and I will be travelling 250km in this weather!!! For more information check the website:http://www.globaladventurechallenges.com/international/the-husky-trail/ 

So what on earth possessed me to do it???

Many people have mental health issues who are too scared to talk about it. Some people have depression, suicidal thoughts and even suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.

Some people can get through it and unfortunately some people cannot. Some people probably already know my brother Matthew Rustigini who died 27/05/13. He was only 25 years old. Matt had mental health issues which went undetected. He pretended he was fine. He hid it from his friends and family. He was ashamed, but he shouldn't have been.

There is a big stigma attached to depression and mental health issues and this stigma needs to be stopped. It can be helped. There are millions that suffer from mental health issues. Unfortunately,although some have died; some still can survive. So I guess I am doing this challenge in memory of my brother Matthew Rustigini. He loved dogs so I thought this challenge would be perfect.

Moreover, I am doing this challenge for the many others who are suffering from mental health issues today. This challenge is to raise money for 'Manchester Mind' who will use the money to pay for good quality support, training volunteers and will enable people to feel important again with community projects within the Manchester area and these are just a few of the things that they do. For more information about mind got to:
www.manchestermind.org 

I suppose my bro will be chillin' with those that have died- to all the celebrities who are now with him. I suppose this challenge is my way of dealing and coming to terms with Matt's death.

Yes I too have depression and yes I have been embarrassed and ashamed. Most days I can't even get out of the house. So this challenge is a big ask.
But I've decided I am not going to let it defeat me and that I too am going to be a survivor. I am having an interruption from University due to repressed grief. I hope to return in September 2015. This will help me by helping others.

 Mental Health issues don't have stereotypes...so anyone can get it.

Thanks for the support!!!

Here's my pages 

I'm selling wineglasses, long glasses with various designs all personalised and hand painted by me. I can post :) Check it out 

'Please note not all the designs I do are my own. They are just handpainted by me just what people ask me to do really'


Twitter: @huskychallenge

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About the charity

Manchester Mind

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1102058
We support young people and adults with mental health issues in Manchester. We're an independent, self-financed charity offering services to those most in need. We promote positive attitudes to mental health to challenge stigma, increase awareness and work for better mental health for all.

Donation summary

Total raised
£4,292.86
+ £260.43 Gift Aid
Online donations
£4,292.86
Offline donations
£0.00

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