As we start 2020 a new decade I wonder what lies ahead.

The fact is though I am fortunate to be able to look ahead and to have goals and aspirations, and as daunting and uncertain as some things are, I know I will face any challenge one step at a time.

For others, the chance to look forward with hope, to overcome challenges and to take a day at a time is sadly not reality.  I am sure we will all have been touched by mental health problems in some way, either at varying degrees ourselves or through family and friends.  We may recognise the uncertainty, the apprehension and possibly the dread and despair facing each day.

Sadly, for way too many, depression, anxiety and despair may lead to leaving our world way too soon. 

Easter 2020 will mark 18 years since my own father at 56 died after a heart attack, this followed many of his adult years battling against anxiety and depression.  A man who carried on in true faith for his family, his beliefs and values, and who left this world with so much more to give and be a part of.

I myself, as do many, know only too well the pain that is felt watching and losing (in one way or another) someone close to you due to their challenge with mental health.

For my good friend and colleague Julie Street (https://www.justgiving.com/Julie-Street1?utm_source) the pain of losing someone under tragic circumstances due to mental health is all too real. 

Between Julie and myself we have together worked for over 45 years for the NHS in Dorset for a mental health Trust, a provider of services to support those with mental health challenges and their families.  However, even with such dedicated services, too many people for whatever reason are not able to seek support in their real time of need, and for Julie’s brother this led to what I cannot find words to describe. 

Julie’s courageousness in sharing her story has led us to “Our Challenge” and in April 2020 we will skydive for “Dorset Mind”.  For me this challenge is more out of my comfort zone than I dare to think about.  The thought of stepping out of a plane which is 15,000ft high and freefalling for 60 seconds before we begin to parachute makes me feel quite sick, even in the comfort and safety of writing this in my own home!

However, no feeling of anxiety, apprehension or fearfulness can be compared to how someone must feel in the darkest points of depression, not knowing how to look ahead or feeling there is no choice, and it is for these reasons we will hopefully raise enough money to be able to take on our challenge.

Julie and I ask you to support us by giving what you can to our fundraising.  If we can in some way help just one person with mental health problems every meter flying high and every second freefalling will be worth it.  And after all……..

“No friend, allows a friend to skydive alone”