Three years ago I hadn't put one foot in front of another running for over twenty five years. The desire to complete a Parkrun got me going. Five and a bit stone less I'm still trying to challenge myself, and even more importantly to me, trying to use challenging myself to do sometime really worthwhile.

I've worked with young people all my working life, I've encountered so many vulnerable individuals, and been frustrated how hard it is for them to access the help and support they need. Mental Health issues are a real thing for the young, and the constant glare of social media and need to be noticed that this creates is making it worse. 

It can shockingly in my experience take over two years to access help for a mental health issue for a young person. For them this is a lifetime. In their hours of need themselves and their families need somewhere to turn.

Two of my close friends have had family members commit suicide, as did a friend of mine. The thing that shocked me most about my friend was that none of us knew or guessed how she was feeling. 

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK. PAPYRUS is the national charity for the prevention of young suicide and believes that many young suicides are preventable. They operate HOPELINEUK, a confidential call, text, and email helpline for young people with thoughts of suicide or those concerned about a young person who may have thoughts of suicide. Every £5 raised can help pay for a potentially life-saving contact to HOPELINEUK from a young person wanting to stay safe from their thoughts of suicide. Thank you.