A few months ago, and in a moment of stupidity, I signed myself up to do the Weymouth half ironman in September. I will be undertaking this gruesome ordeal in memory of my dear late Uncle Justin and in aid of the Charlie Waller Trust mental health charity.

Facing my own dark mental health challenges a few years ago, Uncle Justin was the first person to whom I turned when close to taking irreversible action. I actually felt I was a coward not being able to do the deed, but Justin’s support was the catalyst for me finding the strength and confidence to see the light and turn the corner.

A short time later, Justin took his life. I was consumed with overwhelming anger – as well as guilt. More difficult to explain, let alone understand, I had such admiration for the man who had the bravery I did not.

Life goes through many peaks and troughs, and from time to time, we all have to face the road bumps. But, as I reflect now, I cannot fathom being in the same headspace as I was back then. Life is good! I have recently got engaged, we have bought our first home, and a wee puppy dog has joined us (and is now undermining our home making efforts!). All of these things and more, I would so love to share and natter about over a beer with Uncle Justin – if he were here...

There are many wonderful aspects to Justin’s life. Thoughtfulness, kindness, sensitivity, inclusivity, friendship and fun. He would always stop to take the time to care. He was a very, very special human being. Generous to a fault, wonderfully entertaining and perfectly mischievous.

But, there was a dark place into which he was sometimes drawn. A place that he never dared to share. Not even with his nearest and dearest. We must all guard against such places in our own lives. We must be honest with ourselves. We must reveal, share, expose and overcome our deepest fears and vulnerabilities, as well as those of our nearest and dearest. That is what friends are for. That is what love is.

Charlie Waller was a school friend and teammate of Uncle Justin’s. He was a strong, funny, popular, good-looking and kind young man, with a close and loving family. He was the life and soul of every party, a talented actor with a mesmerising stage presence and a formidable rugby player. He was also flying high in his chosen career in advertising. To the outside world, he had everything to live for. Yet in September 1997, at the age of 28, Charlie took his own life. He was suffering from depression and felt he no longer had the strength to carry on.

Shortly afterwards, in response to this tragedy, his family founded the Charlie Waller Trust – now recognised as one of the UK’s most respected mental health charities. With educational programmes in schools, colleges, universities and the workplace, the Charlie Waller Trust seeks to help young people understand their own mental health, equip them to support themselves as well as those around them, and empower them to talk more openly about their struggles.

Please support and share the details of their website – www.charliewaller.org – not necessarily just to raise money, but also so that as many people as possible can have access to their free resources and can see what they do.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they will never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they will send your money directly to the charity. JustGiving is the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Hamish