In 2019 I will be completing the 3 London Classics to raise money for Young Minds. The London Classics are:

1. The London Marathon (28th April 2019)
2. The Prudential Ride 100. 100 Mile Bike Ride (5th August 2019)
3. The Serpentine Swim. 2 Mile swimming challenge in the Serpentine. (21st September 2019).

London Classics website: https://www.thelondonclassics.co.uk/

In the build up to the London Marathon I am also running the Bramley 20 mile race, Wokingham Half Marathon and Reading Half Marathon. I'm also giving up all alcohol from 1st January 2019 until after the London Marathon on April 28th!

Having never done a Marathon before, or swam more than a few hundred meters, these events represent a really hard challenge for me. Not to mention giving up the beer and wine!!

The crisis in children and young people’s mental health is real and it is urgent. More children and young people than ever before are reaching out for help with their mental health. But for those who take that brave step, help is much too hard to find.

My daughter has suffered from anxiety for a number of years and it affects her every day life. I have heard numerous stories from friends who have teenage children with mental health conditions, ranging from anxiety, to depression, to self harm and even those that have attempted suicide. When we approached our GP for help, we were told we would be referred to the Children's and Adolescents Mental Health Service (CAMHS) however the waiting list was 18 months! This makes my heart sink. 

Children’s Society analysis has shown that an estimated 110,000 children aged 14 may be self-harming, including 76,000 girls and 33,000 boys, and last year Suicide rates among young people in England and Wales rose again with the Rate among girls aged 15-19 hitting a record high. 

Any contribution you can make is greatly appreciated, and will go a long way to help Young Minds make sure all young people get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life's challenges.

Thanks, Stu