In 2014, my father had brain surgery to remove a colloid cyst from his brain. The choice was have the surgery, or start planning his own funeral.

After the surgery, he recovered but due to the side affects of the operation, he was left with mental health issues which made him confused and unable to process information.

The frustration of dealing with this new reality made him quite unpleasant and verbally aggressive to family members.

Some years later, he was diagnosed as having Schizophrenia with paranoid tendencies.

Even after this diagnosis, it took years to get his medical dosage to the right levels to combat his condition, all whilst my mother was left with trying to deal with his outbursts and accusations.

This is where the mental health team and charities such as Mind came to the rescue. The support my father and family received was fantastic, and their work recognised the whole families mental health and wellbeing.

Its now time for me to give back, even a little of what it probably cost them to come out on visits and arrange for telephone consultations.

This July, I will be walking 100km in 24 hours over the Peak district in order to raise money for this worthy cause.

I ask you to donate what you can.

You never know when you or your family will need this vital service.