Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Well before lockdown, I signed up at work (Capital One) to do the Three Peaks Challenge.  I'm never going to run a marathon, but I love walking - and so decided this would be a fantastic challenge and an opportunity to push myself. I am now more unfit and heavier than I was then, but I'm still going to give it a good go!

Rethink Mental Illness is a fantastic charity that improves the lives of people severely affected by mental illness. Looking after your mental health is so important - just as important as your physical health.  

I struggled with post natal depression after having both Isabelle and Annie.  After having Isabelle, my eldest, I thought I was doing a good job of hiding how difficult I was finding it.  Struggling to hold my own child and do day to day tasks.  What i didn't realise is that those close to me had clocked it.  They were helping me in the background (no way i would have accepted help if offered!), checking in on me,  making sure that support was there.  When I finally admitted it, I think the main shock came from me.  Two years later, I had Annie.  This time I was more prepared for the fact that I may struggle.  At first I did ok, then it hit me.  This time I asked for help.  I was so lucky to have the support of friends and family - and not forgetting the NHS.  I was much more open about it and, in being open about it, I realised that so many people struggled with their mental health.  Roll on 8 years, I still struggle when I don’t feel like I am able to be the best mum I can be, but the girls are my world and there is no doubting we have a great bond.  I will always be there for them, making sure they are able to talk openly about how they are feeling and that it is ok not to be ok.

If you're feeling generous, please feel free to donate as much or as little as you want. Every penny counts, and will be going towards Rethink Mental Illness (https://www.rethink.org/).  They offer a wide range of support

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.