Thanks to Venari Partners, I have been selected to take part in a charity challenge. Over 7days, we will trek through the jungle in Columbia and raft one of the world’s last truly wild rivers. I will be doing this with an amazing group of people, all raising money for their chosen charities. I'm so excited I have been chosen and can't wait for the adventure in November.

So why have I chosen Papyrus?

Over the years I have really suffered with mental health. There were circumstances and events that happened in my life that led me to try to commit suicide 3 times in 2013/2014. One of my attempts my dog Meg saved my life. Whilst I was collapsed she woke up my then partner and showed him where I was unconscious downstairs. He then rang the ambulance and got me help straight away. It was only because of Meg that I am alive today. Meg suddenly became unwell in April this year and she died a couple of days later. This devastated me because we had such a close and special bond. She helped me so much over the years especially with my mental health. When she died I could feel my head going into a dark place. So I nominated myself for this amazing adventure to gain focus and positivity back in my life. So I'm doing this for myself and in memory of Meg. I am doing this challenge for Papyrus because they help support young people. The charity is dedicated to the prevention of suicide and promotion of positive mental health and emotional well being in young people . I have used a few suicide charities in the past and they are vital in helping people when they are in crisis. Not many people know about my suicide attempts because my fear has always been people will look at me differently but I've decided to open up in hope that it will give someone the confidence to speak out about their struggles and to get help themselves.

I would love to raise as much money as possible so that as many people as possible can get the help they deserve.

Right now Papyrus is doing an emergency campaign to raise money so that they can keep their Hopeline running 24 hours a day. Due to rising costs they may have to reduce the hours the Hopeline opens at night. For me personally night time was the worst time of the day. If we could raise as much money as possible to help keep the Hopeline running 24 hours a day that would be amazing. Here is a link to their emergency appeal video:-

https://youtu.be/c0NZnarqG5g?si=aqwzoQTc3ylnXmzV

PAPYRUS is the national charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide.

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, every year over 1800 young people take their own lives. PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINE247.

Every £15 raised can contribute towards a life-saving contact to HOPELINE247. Your donations really are changing lives, thank you.