45 years ago, my family’s world was blown apart. Life, for me, changed forever. My brother was killed in a road traffic accident. We’d not long moved from Kent to High Wycombe. He’d been married for 4 months to his school sweetheart. He was 19, our birthdays were 5 days apart – he was exactly 10 years old than me. I idolised him. Back then, there were no child bereavement services, counselling,
support groups. For 42 years I wore my grief, my depression like armour. I was mostly angry at life, I didn’t let many folk in.

2019 and my life really started to crumble. I had a number of traumatic events and my mental health gave up completely; I had a complete nervous breakdown and life felt pointless.

I sought medical help at the start of 2020, medication was prescribed and I started on my journey of getting back to me. I keep journals, I practice mindfulness, I’ve embraced the wonderous benefits of meditation and being physically fit. In making myself vulnerable I have encountered a lot of heartache, betrayal, hurt and disappointment.

But … life is actually fantastic. I have the best job where I get to cuddle and fuss dogs all day long, I have amazing friends who always make me howl with laughter, smile until my cheeks hurt and have the most incredible open, warm hearts. I am so lucky to have them in my life.

To promote the importance of mental health and wellbeing, I am taking on a challenge. Walking 50K of the Cotswold Way … what have I let myself in for!! The training will be arduous but hugely enjoyable. The event itself will be tough: both mentally and physically.

I aim to raise £400 for MIND. Any amount you can spare will be utterly appreciated 😊

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