Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am about to face my next physical (and mental) challenge this weekend - the Endure 24. It's a 24 hour ultra-endurance event, challenging you to complete as many 5 mile trail loops as possible. Still carrying long-term knee injuries, this is definitely going to be a case of mind over physical ability - but the ultimate goal is to go for the full 24 hours, and target the big 100 miles!!

For me, facing this challenge is more mental than anything. I know my body is old and broken, but I also know my mind is stronger than it was. Keep fighting.

Like when I ran the marathon in 2019, this gives me an opportunity to speak about mental health, and point people towards some of the great work that Rethink Mental Illness does as a charity to support so many people. Take a look at their website and find out more about them https://www.rethink.org/

Mental health is something I've struggled with for the majority of my life. It wasn't until 7 years ago when I hit absolute rock bottom that I even knew I had severe depression and anxiety, and started to do something about it. Seeking help is tough, and many people don't. It took me years before I even tried, and required some close friends instigating it for me. Over the next few years, along with medication, counselling, and the support of my friends and family, I have managed to get to a point where I am mostly feeling OK.

Struggles with mental health are hidden. They are personal and individual to each of us. But they are also some of the biggest killers. We don't see the challenges others face...sometimes until it's too late. Keep talking.

If you are reading this, although this is on a fundraising page, please take some time to think about those around you, and to talk. Please take this opportunity to read more about how you can support people close to you that may be facing demons. If you read about Rethink Mental Illness and feel you want to donate to them, and are able to, then please definitely do, but if anything, please keep talking.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.