Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 20th September, it will be my 60th birthday. Whilst we sometimes moan about growing older, I'm determined to embrace and celebrate this milestone with joy and gratitude. One of my brothers, John, did not have the chance to do so. At the age of 48, he took his own life, leaving his wife, children, wider family and friends bereft and utterly floored. We had no idea that this passionate, funny, creative man, full of life and energy, had any such thoughts in his head.

Whilst , thankfully, there is now much more open discussion of mental health issues, suicide remains the single leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. Men's Sheds is a nationwide organisation dedicated to improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combatting social isolation: 39%of Shed Leaders believe their Shed may have prevented at least one member from taking their own life. The existence of a Men's Shed may not have made any difference to John. He was surrounded by a loving family and copious loyal friends. But the saving of one single life has got to be something worth supporting. I hope you will feel able to donate.

John and I both loved music, and though our tastes were worlds apart- his rock music, mine classical- we appreciated the buzz that each of us got from performing. It seems fitting, therefore, to be raising money at a short choral concert in St Vigor’s Church, Fulbourn, Cambridge on 20th September at 4.30pm. We would love to see you there.

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