Oh no - not another fundraiser...

I hear you. There does seem to be a lot of people raising cash for charity these days. 

It's great. But it can also tell on the old purse strings, right?

On the one hand, I'm sorry to ask for your support - and so close to Christmas too!

On the other, I'm not. And here's why.

I count myself lucky. Aside from the everyday stresses and strains of life, I have never been in a position where my mental health has been under siege.

I have young children and so far in life - touch wood - they have been fine too.

Like many people, however, I have seen the effect mental ill health can have on wider family members and friends. I have experienced that feeling of helplessness as I have watched a loved one desperately grapple with feelings they cannot control. 

The NHS cannot cope. We are smack bang in the middle of a crisis and something has to be done.

I believe that in developing a support mechanism for young people - whose mental health is increasingly under pressure - we can start to make a difference. We can offer help when frailties first start to emerge - not many years down the line when the illness has become much more deep-rooted.

So I'm doing my bit. For 61 consecutive long, dark (no doubt rainy) autumn and winter Cumbrian days or nights, I will run at least 5km. I will start on November 1 and end with a triumphant New Year's Eve dash on December 31.

In November, I will bid to run with a different person every day to promote awareness of mental wellbeing and wider issues surrounding mental health. Those people may be friends, may be family, or may be strangers. Exercise is great for the mind and soul - so is chatting. You can hit me up on Twitter - @james78higgins or email me on James@32west.co.uk if you want to join me.

In December it will be time to go it alone and I'll hit the road with a continued bid to raise as much cash as possible for the children's and adolescents' mental health charity Young Minds.

If you feel you can support me, I'd be so grateful. I know money is tight - so whatever you can spare would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you - and good health.

James