Hello everyone,

How are you?! But how are you, really? We all have busy lives and have different stresses, but we shouldn’t be afraid to talk. To reach out. To put an arm round those who are quieter than normal, those that seem distant. Not eating. Whatever. When someone says they're fine, ask again.

With this in mind, if you ever need someone to talk to, I will always listen. Judgement free. I am here for you if you need. Anytime.

We all know the facts, that suicide is a leading killer in young people and 15–24-year-olds are the highest risk age group. We know it is more prevalent in young men.

I implore you, if you have time, take a moment to learn about the signs of suicidal thoughts and how to help someone who may be struggling. Knowledge is a powerful tool in suicide prevention.

I'm excited to share some news with you that's been close to my heart. Next September, I will be embarking on an incredible journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the world's tallest peaks, standing at an awe-inspiring 19,341 feet. While this journey will be a personal challenge for me, it's about much more than reaching the summit; it's about making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. In memory of those who unfortunately succumb to their personal fight. I walk with you.

I have chosen to dedicate this climb to support Papyrus Suicide Charity, a cause that is profoundly important to me. Papyrus is a charity committed to preventing young suicide in the UK and promoting mental health and emotional wellbeing. They provide vital support to young people who are struggling with thoughts of suicide, as well as to their families and communities. The work they do is invaluable in raising awareness, offering help, and ultimately saving lives.

We may all have been deeply affected suicide in one way or another and there is a substantial lack of public mental health support and I think that all people should and need sometimes a platform to talk to discuss and understand truly the consequences. This is what papyrus do and do well.

My aim is to raise £7,500 for Papyrus Suicide Charity. This money will go directly toward their programs and initiatives, which include helplines, peer support, and educational resources. By supporting this cause, we can contribute to a brighter future for young people who are facing the darkest moments of their lives.

I am reaching out to you, my friends, family, colleagues, and anyone who believes in the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. Your support means the world to me, and every donation, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to reaching the goal.

PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINE247.

Every £5 raised can contribute towards a life-saving contact to HOPELINE247. Your donations really are lifesaving.

Please also consider sharing this page with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who know about it, the closer we get to our goal.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is not just a personal adventure; it's an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those who need our support. Together, we can raise £7,500 for Papyrus Suicide Charity and help them continue their life-saving mission.

Thank you for your generosity, your support, and for being a part of this journey with me. Let's stand together to make a difference.

Dave

P.S. If you have any questions or would like to get involved in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Your support means everything to me and to those we aim to help.