April 4th, 2022, marked a turning point in my life. I lost my Dad after a challenging battle with alcohol abuse. While most remember him as the vibrant, loving soul who radiated joy, I grappled with the complexity of addiction and the associated stigma.

Dad's addiction was a source of strife between us, but I now understand that his drinking was a coping mechanism for underlying mental health struggles. Society's expectation for men to bury their emotions only deepens the issue. If given the chance, I would have delved into the root causes of his unhappiness, offering him support and alternative paths.

Addiction is a perpetual struggle; one simply replaces one dependency with another. Instead of judgment, let's extend our hands to aid those battling addiction. I aspire to enhance awareness, dismantle the stigma surrounding men's mental health, and advocate for addiction as a serious condition requiring accessible support.

The perception of addiction and men's reluctance to discuss mental health must transform. Let us foster empathy, understanding, and a safe space to seek help without judgment or discrimination. Addiction can affect anyone and everyone deserves the assistance necessary to overcome it.

In 2024, I’ll run the London Marathon in memory of my Dad, raising funds for Mind Charity. They provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

I would love if you could consider donating to help me reach my fundraising goal and spread awareness about mental health and addiction, to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding around mental health and addiction. Thank you for your support.