Believe it or not, in 2024, I will be running the Edinburgh marathon alongside a few great mates, each of us raising money for our chosen charities. I have no doubt it will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, not just the race itself, but the countless hours of plodding around in the middle of winter in preparation. It is going to challenge my physical health of course, but the reason I am really doing it, is to encourage people to open up about their mental health, hence why I will be running to fundraise for “CALM”.

So, it’s time I opened up. 2023 has been a year of incredible highs, but also some pretty difficult lows. It has brought my mental health to the forefront of my mind. Over the course of this year, I have had more discussions with friends and family about mental health than ever before, and has often been a catalyst for putting a smile back on my face when, at times, I didn’t think it would be possible.

Why CALM?

“CALM” is the Campaign Against Living Miserably. The charity stands for everyone who is struggling with life, no matter who they are, or what they are going through. Their helpline and web-chats are open 365 days a year, for anyone to discuss anything they are struggling with, including anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

• 200,000 people attempt suicide each year.

• 125 people die by suicide every week in the UK.

• Suicide is the biggest killer in men under 50.

• The suicide rate for young women under 24 has seen the steepest increase since records began.

• 1 in 5 have suicidal thoughts in their lifetime.

It’s time to talk!

Thank you for your support and any donations!