Hi there!

In case we haven't met before - I'm Jaclyn! I'm a classical musician, 'cellist, orchestrator & arranger, student at the Royal College of Music in London, runner and keen amateur baker!

A few months ago back in early October - under the weight of many things but not least the changes to my life due to Covid-19 - I tried to take my own life and ended up in A&E. 

Sadly suicide is still a major problem in the UK: it remains the biggest killer of men under the age of 45, and almost half of all transgender people will attempt suicide at least once in their lives as the result of the stigma they face.

One of the best things I thought I could do in light of it was to raise funds for the Central London branch of an organisation that has been an *incredible* support for me since (and also on previous occasions) - The Samaritans.

The work they do is truly life saving, and although so much of what they do is related to suicide-prevention, they are there for ANYBODY to call - 24/7, completely free-of-charge (on 116 123) - about ANYTHING you're struggling with in life (whether you're at crisis-point or not). They're wonderful at listening to you with nothing but kind, loving, compassionate ears, and their work is needed more than ever during a time when so many people's mental health is suffering.

On the 1st August, I'll be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for the Central London branch of this fantastic organisation. Running an official half is something that's been on my bucket list for years, and to do it to raise funds that will literally translate to lives being saved from something that has almost ended mine - is a true honour and privilege!

It doesn't matter how little or how much you're able to give - even if it's just the price of that takeout latte you'd grab on your way to work - every little amount will contribute towards ultimately saving lives.

Thank you so much and with all my love, Jaclyn x