Depression affects 1 in 5 adults at some stage in their lives and suicide remains the biggest killer of young men under the age of 35 in this country. It is approaching the second anniversary of the tragic loss of my stepson, Andy Washington, who was quickly taken by this disease with little warning. 

In his memory I am going to try and swim 5Km (3 mls) in open water as part of the Nottingham big Swim on Saturday 26 July 2014 to raise funds for the Depression Alliance.

Depression Alliance is a leading UK charity for people with depression. They work to relieve and to prevent this condition by providing information, support and understanding to those who are affected by it. They also campaign to raise awareness among the general public about the realities of depression.