On the 20th July Matt and myself will be trekking across Hadrian's Wall, covering 84 miles across 6 days, fundraising for BIG in Mental Health a charity in Bury which provides free support to adults who are struggling with their mental health.

I have had my own struggles with mental health and Matt sadly lost his sister to suicide when he was younger, so this is a cause close to our hearts.

I've dealt with depression and suicidal thoughts from an early age after having tragically lost my closest friend to a road traffic accident when he was 21. Like many others I've had struggles with my mental health over the years but these past few years have been really tough for me.

I've battled health issues relating to my eye sight and have had to have numerous operations on my eyes to correct what's been going on. In September last year I ended up with a retinal detachment which caused me to go blind for a few weeks. Not being able to see left me in a very dark place, I was worried I'd never regain my sight and be able to see my wife or daughter again.

Thankfully my sight has come back but I still live with the fear that I will lose it again. Before I used to been a keen cyclist, which had been a passion of mine since I was a kid. Because of the risk to my eye sight I am no longer able to cycle like I used to do so I've gravitated towards walking to get me out the house and keep me fit.

I've been planning this walk for a long time to give me something to focus on. I enjoy being out in the hills as it gives me a sense of freedom and solitude from whatever is going on in my life at the time.

Me and Matt are keen to get out there, challenge ourselves, and raise as much money as we can for a great cause. All of the money we raise will go towards supporting BIG's volunteer team helping them to keep providing vital mental health support in Bury for free for anyone who is struggling!

Any support you can give us would be massively appreciated :)