Dear friends, family and anyone else this page reaches out to. Firstly THANKS for taking the time to visit our 'JustGiving' page.

I along with my brothers, brothers in law and a friend are embarking on a very worthwhile personal journey for which we're asking for YOUR SUPPORT.

I'm sure most of us have been affected by mental illness in some way shape or form, be it anxiety, low mood, depression or any one of the many guises it can manifest.

I personally and some of the people we love and care for (like many other families) have been affected by mental illness. Depression, low mood and anxiety can remain a stubborn companion for some people and continue to impact on all aspects of day to day living. Many people who struggle with a mental illness will have a projected public image that may be very different to how they feel inside and in private and their family and friends might be shocked to hear confessions like mine.

However we're taking this leap like others have before us because this is the precise spirit of what the Coast to Coast ride stands for. If we can make just a small difference for somebody else or help introduce someone to 'Mind' or any one of the amazing charities and support groups that are out there, if we can open a discussion or encourage a sufferer to seek help, no matter how hard or difficult it may seem then it will have been worthwhile.

So here's what we're going to do. Our group of six riders (including myself) with two supporting crew will be riding from Morecombe on the west coast, cycling across the country to Whitby on the east coast, some 126 miles. This ride represents more than just a bike ride to us, it is a way to personally give something back to a worthy cause.

Now this is where YOU can HELP........in order to make this worthwhile we NEED YOUR DONATIONS !!!! Even if it's the price of a pint of beer or a glass of Prosecco (preferably a large one) it all adds up and it's so needed.

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.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for your support.