I am taking part in a Viking Race organised by AWARE to raise money and awareness of mental health in Northern Ireland. AWARE is the depression charity for Northern Ireland working for people with depression and bipolar disorder. I lost my Mum after a long battle with depression. I vividly remember how lonely we felt and how ashamed she was of this illness. Thanks to AWARE the stigma has been broken down over the past decade and continues to break down further.

I'd be delighted to reach a fundraising target of £100 as this will help to fund the work that AWARE are doing in Northern Ireland. AWARE has an established network of 24 support groups in rural and urban areas across the country, which are run by trained volunteers. Support groups welcome people with depression & bipolar disorder as well as carers for people with the illness. AWARE deliver mental health & well being programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities & workplaces across Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.aware-ni.org