On July 15th I'm celebrating (if that's the right word) my 60th birthday. I know, I know, I don't look a day over 59...

I'm having various birthday events, but what I don't want are presents, so I thought I'd do a fundraiser in aid of a good cause.

From my time in politics, and through my radio show, I know that there are thousands of people across the country who suffer from acute mental health problems, but they don't tell anyone. That reluctance to speak can have tragic consequences.

Rose Paterson took her own life in June 2020. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was also Chairman of Aintree Racecourse. Despite her achievements, she was struggling to cope and needed help.

Every four minutes someone in the UK tries to take their own life; every 90 minutes someone succeeds. However, no suicide is inevitable if individuals in crisis can access the right support.

The mission of the Rose Paterson Trust is to support the organisations and individuals combatting the suicide epidemic through fundraising and policy change.

You can see an interview I did with Rose's husband Owen HERE.

So if you would like to wish me a happy birthday, please do make a donation of whatever you can afford. I will appreciate it, and so will the people who will benefit from it.

Many thanks,

Iain