It's hard to believe that it will soon be 3 years since we lost our lovely Ivan to suicide following a period of mental illness. We all miss him multiple times every day. Many of you have kindly supported our fundraising walks for ReThink Mental Illness and for Suicide & Co over the last 2 years - thank you so much.

We've now started working with Mental Health Research UK (MHRUK), the only charity that sponsors PhD research projects to help develop both new treatments for psychosis, and to lessen the often very hard-to-tolerate side effects of current medications. People facing mental illness desperately need improved treatment options. We have seen first-hard how hard life can be for young people suffering with serious mental illness. We have commited, both personally, and through fundraising activities, to support a PhD programme, in Ivan's name, for the coming 4 years. Any funds we raise through the walk will contribute to the PhD programme.

On Saturday 3 May, we'll be taking on another 20-mile challenge, starting at Bradford-on-Avon train station and ending in Bath, via a circuitous route!. As previously, we would love family and friends to join us for part, or all of the walk through some stunning scenery, stopping at a couple of decent pubs and raising a toast to Ivan. Contact me for details.

It's Mental Health Awareness Week 12-18 May, so we are a bit early, but wanted to mark Ivan's anniversary on 1 May.