Where to start...

Since my teenage years, I've been dealing with issues around self-harm and suicidal ideation.

On 25/09/2021, following a culmination of events in my personal & professional life, in addition to many years of unresolved trauma, everything came to a head and I made an attempt to take my own life. I'm not going to go into further details here, but those closest to me know how close to being successful I came.

I was constantly reaching out for support and felt like nothing more than a burden to my friends. Because of this I also spent many hours on the phone to The Samaritans when I was at my lowest.

They repeatedly helped talk me down from both metaphorical and literal ledges and it's time I gave something back.

On the 26th September 2026 - the day after I celebrate 5 years in recovery - I will be tackling the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge with friends and colleagues.

This is a 24-mile hike/climb through the Yorkshire Dales, to be completed in under 12 hours. I like a walk as much as anyone but this is very much out of my comfort zone!

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please give generously if you can. Donations received will go to The Samaritans and be used to support them in their vision: that fewer people die by suicide.

Every 10 seconds, Samaritans answers a call for help. Samaritans can be contacted round the clock, for free, on 116 123, day or night, 365 days a year. It’s only your donations and 23,000 listening volunteers that make sure Samaritans can be there for someone today, so they can believe in tomorrow.