This September I'll be taking to the streets of the Toon for the Great North Run, together with the other 'D Team' members: Jo "Dodder" D and Phil "Daddy" D. We'll be taking on the other 53,997 runners with drumming on the Tyne Bridge by Ruth "Mummy" D and general whoops & cheers from Emma "Little Em" D.

Having spent the last 6 months working on an acute adult psychiatric ward in Fife, I have seen the devastating effects that mental health problems can have on individuals and families. But I have also seen people stabilise and/or recover and begin to rebuild active and fulfilling lives, supported by excellent staff and inspiring projects both in the NHS and voluntary sector. So I have chosen to raise money for the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) to further help people through the difficult and often lonely experience of mental health problems.

Thanks for your support everyone,

Guy

p.s. Jo is running for OXFAM. Click here to sponsor her.

You can find out more about SAMH on their website: www.samh.org.uk

SAMH aims to make mental health everyone’s business and set the standard for care services in Scotland. They provide direct services, including accommodation, support, employment and rehabilitation, as well as actively campaigning to influence policy and improve care services in . SAMH are committed to the principles of recovery and user involvement, challenging stigma and discrimination and promoting the fact that people can continue to live active and productive lives in the presence or absence of mental health or related problems.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure (they won't sell your details or send unwanted emails). Your money is sent directly to the charity and they take a small fee from your Gift Aid. So, for every £10 you give as a UK taxpayer, the charity receives almost £12.