Hey! Thank you for coming to visit my page!

I'm sure all of you know someone or who themselves suffers from mental ill health.

Over the last few years, I have really struggled with my own mental health and as a result I am passionate about raising money and ensuring everyone has access to the help and support they deserve.

Here are some stats about mental health...

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.

1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts.

1 in 14 people self harm.

Men are 3 times more likely to take their own life than women.

Approximately only 1 in 3 adults are getting treatment in the form of medication or talking therapies or both.

The number of people who self-harm or have suicidal thoughts is rising faster than the number of people experiencing mental health problems overall.

Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 50.

These statistics don't include people who are in hospitals, prisons, sheltered housing or rough sleeping.

Here are a few celebrities who have unfortunately committed suicide:

Avicci (Swedish DJ and music producer)

Caroline Flack (TV presenter and actress)

Dale Roberts (Footballer)

Mark Speight (TV presenter)

Robin Williams (American actor and comedian)

Marilyn Monroe (American singer and actress)

Alexander McQueen (British couturier and fashion designer)

Vincent van Gogh (Dutch painter)

No one deserves to feel like suicide is the only way out. It is OK not to be OK.

MIND provides a safe space for people to talk and get support for their mental health. They believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. MIND campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. The NHS also provides support but waiting lists are long and like the rest of the NHS, it is understaffed and oversubscribed.

Children and Young People's mental ill health is also on the rise and being a teacher, I have seen this first hand. I know of children as young as 8 having Depression, Anxiety and Eating Disorders. CAMHS is extremely overwhelmed and waiting lists are just under 2 years. MIND have been working with schools to find out how best to support them. Schools can receive resources, services and training through MIND.

I will be training for and running the London Marathon 2024 whilst also raising money for this fantastic cause. The training will be very challenging physically and mentally, especially through the winter with the dark evenings and cold/rainy/icy weather. I am aiming for a time of around 4 hours.

I will also be running a 52km Ultra Marathon in the Peak District next July!

Please donate what you can, however small!