It's been just over 5 years since we lost our good friend Paddy Sheridan.

We will be hosting a Pub Quiz in his memory on what would have been his 35th Birthday - Friday 27th December to have a good time and raise some money in his memory.

Pat’s spirit continues to live on despite his battle with mental health. His story is not unique unfortunately, the struggles of my nearest and dearest have driven my commitment to raising awareness and funds for the causes that protect, support, and remind us all of our shared resilience. This year, I’m taking on a new challenge—one that’s more psychological than physical—to curb certain habits and confront what lies beneath. I’m inspired by the enduring memory of Pat and the continuing struggles of family and friends.

I hope you’ll support me in this journey as I raise funds for a new charity focused on depression in Northern Ireland. Stay tuned for updates, and join me as we tackle these issues head-on.

As some of you know Chris is doing a daily cold dip. I don’t have easy access to North Sea waters like him but I will be doing ten cold plunges across November, refraining from drinking and refined sugar as well as cutting out a range of other habits. I will also be growing a moustache, for your entertainment and to annoy my wife. This is the hardest challenge (cutting habits, not the moustache) I’ve ever undertaken as it’s purely psychological and I hope you’ll support this great cause!

AWARE is the depression charity for Northern Ireland working for people with depression and bipolar disorder.

AWARE has an established network of 24 support groups in rural and urban areas across the country, which are run by trained volunteers. Support groups welcome people with depression & bipolar disorder as well as carers for people with the illness. AWARE deliver mental health & well being programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities & workplaces across Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.aware-ni.org