For my brother

I’ve hesitated writing this. Sharing something so personal feels daunting and terribly scary, especially knowing that most of those reading this will not know any of my story. But here is just the latest chapter - because it matters the most.

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Whilst travelling South America, I got a call that my brother Owen had died, unexpectedly. I have never felt emptiness like it. When a person you have never lived without is no longer there, there isn’t a minute that goes by where your heart, mind and body doesn’t feel it. It threw my whole world into a dark chaos, and I’ve been trying to make sense of it ever since. Beyond other difficult challenges I have faced privately and quietly, losing him has been the most painful, confusing, and isolating experience of my life; one which has led me to understand that talking about things we have faced (all of it) and mental health is crucial. It has taught me that - to reach out – or to ask for help IS to stand tall. It IS strength.

Owen accomplished an incredible amount in life, but at his core he was a fierce warrior. He bravely fought his own battles with mental health showing unrelenting strength and resilience - and he deserved more time. He deserved to find long lasting peace, love, comfort and calmness. You only needed to meet my brother once and you would not forget him. I do not feel like the world has lost a (beautiful, funny, witty, incredibly intelligent) man, but rather, I feel like a little girl - who has lost her big, protective brother. There will be an Owen sized hole left in my life, an emptiness I cannot fill - a voice I'll never hear, a bear hug I'll never feel - a brother I’ll always miss. Our big brother, one of four, forever.

I’ve always been aware of how deeply mental health affects people, unfortunately I grew up witnessing the pain and struggles that come with such horrible conditions, but now; I know it in a way I wish I didn’t. Mental health issues don’t always come with warnings. They can touch anyone - quietly, suddenly, and profoundly, even those of us we label as “tough”. The toughest people I have ever met are those who battle every day for each moment.

That’s why I’m raising money for SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health). They provide vital support to people who are struggling, and they fight for a future where no one feels alone in their pain. Owen may never have had contact with this particular MH charity, but he supported others like it and this challenge is a monster of a challenge – something barbaric, something worthy of a warrior and my brother’s name.

If you can, please donate. In memory of Owen. In support of those still fighting. And in hope that we can build a world where mental health is treated with the care, urgency, and compassion it deserves.

❄️❄️❄️WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ARCTIC CHALLENGE ❄️❄️❄️

The TEAM message I wrote about the challenge

"This winter, a fearless team of colleagues from Virgin Money are swapping spreadsheets for snowshoes and heading into the heart of the Arctic Circle all in support of mental health.

For five gruelling days, we’ll be braving sub-zero temperatures, battling icy winds, and pushing ourselves to the limit in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. Our challenge includes cross-country skiing through vast frozen landscapes, building igloos with our (probably frozen) hands and surviving the Arctic wilderness with a shared goal, fierce determination, and a LOT of thermal layers.

This isn’t your average office away day. It’s a test of endurance, resilience, and grit and we’re doing it to raise funds for SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health), a charity that provides vital support, advocacy, and hope to people suffering.

Because mental health doesn’t discriminate. It touches every workplace, every family, every friendship. Behind every smile, there can be a silent struggle. And for many, charities like SAMH are the lifeline that helps them hold on.

Please support us.

Your donation could help someone find the strength to keep going.

It could be the difference between despair and recovery.

It could save a life.

Help us turn every frozen step into hope.

Donate today! Share our story! And cheer us on as we take on the Arctic!"