When I was 10, my uncle, Tom Isaacs, walked around the coast of Britain. He was 33 years old and six years previously he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

I knew that both the Parkinson’s and the walk were unusual, because Uncle Tom was in the paper and he was invited to present the prizes at my school Prize Day. And although I was an incredibly proud ten year old, nothing about the situation was especially fantastic. Walking around the coast of Britain was just something that Uncle Tom did.

Tom and I got on very well. We shared the same passion for travel and adventure. Neither of us have taken the conventional path trodden by most 30-somethings.

Tom died in 2017 and I miss him terribly. Even more so now I turn 33 and the ember of an idea which, thanks to him, has lived in my head for the last 23 years becomes more of a reality. Because later this year, I am going to follow in his footsteps around the coastline of Britain, but I am going to run it.

Why now?

Because both Britain and I could do with something to celebrate.

In 2024, I made five calls to The Samaritans (116 123). Their volunteers were there for me when the pain in my brain was so intense I couldn’t pick myself up off the floor. And on two occasions, their kind words and patient understanding helped me retreat from a literal edge.

I only wish I had picked up the phone to them sooner.

Since I started opening up about my own struggles with mental health, I am shocked at how many people have their own stories or experiences. Someone dies by suicide in Britain once every 90 minutes.

The Samaritans is an amazing charity which is helping to prevent that number from becoming much higher. Its volunteers pick up the phone to someone in need once every ten seconds.

I hope that by talking more about my experiences with The Samaritans and raising some money while I circle the country, I can help anyone who, for whatever reason, might be struggling.