Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I will be going barefoot on June 1st 2025 until June 1st 2026.

Why?

On March 30th my sister Tracy passed away, on her 54th Birthday. She was let down by the care system. Whilst in Parklands Mental Health Hospital, Basingstoke, she was left unattended when she was supposed to be being supervised. She choked on a sandwich and died for 30 minutes before they were able to resuscitate her. After 6 weeks in hospital her brain never recovered and sadly she passed away. The hospital have admitted neglect.

I am doing this challenge to raise awareness for mental health and to fight for better care when in the system. This can not be allowed to happen to anyone else.

I have lost my beautiful sister because her carers didn't do their job.

My challenge is to go bare foot for a year. That is 100% barefoot. With the exception of health and safety, if for instance a surface is unsuitable for walking on (too hot or too cold, or too painful).

I chose this challenge because it is not going to be easy, and a challenge is not a challenge unless it is going to be hard. My job working outside with dogs all day makes it more tricky, but certainly doable. It is a visible challenge which I hope will cause people to ask me why no shoes, generating awareness for not only mental health but the failings in the mental health system.

I hope you will all support me and join me on my journey. I promise you I have not gone mad and I am really excited to do this.

I aim to raise £3000 over the year so any donations will be massively appreciated.

Thank you

Nicola

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