Big news- I've signed up for a half marathon.

Yes, you read that right. 13.1 horrible, lung busting miles. I am running for @mindcharity in Hackney and Waltham Forest.

Here comes the X Factor story.

I will never forget two moments in my life. The first was a massive high point, completely my dissertation (smashing it btw) and therefore my degree. The following day, I vividly remember my parents at the door of my uni house, telling me that my uncle had taken his own life during my finals.

The 'usual' feelings (so I'm told) came over us as a family. Grief,distress, questioning if there was more we could of done. I wasn't able to attend the funeral because of my exams.

The second is during a mission trip to Hungary in my second year. I wouldn't have termed it at the time but it was the year I had a mental breakdown. I lost and gained stones of weight in weeks and my skin was as dry as my sense of humour.

But most importantly, I was truly miserable. It was this trip that I told my good friend Liv that I no longer wanted to live anymore.

Mental health is a very important subject to me. It affects 1 in 4 of us and is the biggest killer of men under 50.

If you could donate, I would be grateful. I realise we are in difficult times so please do not worry or feel guilty if you can't. Alternatively, if you need to save and give closer to the event (it's in May), then that's great. Any amount is so gratefully received.

Thanks if you have got this far and big love x