My family were recently left devastated by the loss of my brilliant and beloved daughter, Maya Blossom, while she was away studying at university this February - proving life can throw grief, pain, suffering and turmoil at any one of us at any moment.

Maya was the best type of person you could ever meet, she had many friends, the kindest heart, bravest soul and cheekiest laugh. She was literally the coolest person we’d ever known and had so many passions. Loved anything true Wild West, or Wes Anderson, she taught herself skateboarding, keyboard, piano, guitar, photography and Spanish and had such an inquisitive, funny and intelligent mind.

What people admired most about Maya was that she knew her own mind, wasn’t swayed by others’ opinions and wasn’t afraid to be herself or speak her truth. She was fierce about supporting those who were less fortunate than herself- and would give her money or voice to help people or causes that were important.

Losing our beautiful girl, at just 20 years old has brought unending pain and trauma into our world and highlighted how non of us are ever far from potential mental health crises- this is why we need to put mental health awareness at the forefront of our everyday health and well-being.

This is why I’m taking on Walk 100 miles in June for my Maya - and for Mind — and every step is for someone who feels anxious, depressed or stressed in today’s busy, uncertain world. I know we couldn’t be any prouder of the light Maya brought into our world, and she will walk beside us forever. We love you forever, Maya.

Right now, Mind’s phone lines are the busiest they’ve ever been. In the UK 1 in 4 of us will face a mental health problem this year with stress and anxiety not far from anyone’s daily lives, yet too many still wait in silence. Mind is often their only lifeline — on the phone, in local communities, and fighting for change so no one is left behind.

Please support my 100 miles in June challenge by donating to my fundraising page 🙏🏻Your donation will ensure that information and support is available for everyone — on Mind's website, the helplines they run and throughout their online community, Side by Side. Thank you 💙