Mental health effects everyone at some stage of their life, whether through grief from the loss of a loved one, a tragedy or some bad life choices.

Not everyone makes it out the other side.

There is still a big stigma about mental health in men and not being able to talk about it.

I found myself in this very situation and in all fairness I was completely lost, I didn't know who I was anymore.

I didn't want to ask for help because I didn't know what the hell was wrong with me, and didn't want to show people that I was weak and struggling so badly.

I couldn't see a way out of this and I just tried to block it all out with drugs and alcohol, which I had convinced myself that I had control over.

I really did not have any control of it at all and it spiralled out of control massively.

My self worth was rock bottom and I'd convinced myself that I was just a burden everyone, that no-one could help me, and that there was only one way to make it stop.

It is seriously one of the biggest battles I have ever have to face in my life so far.

That was 4 or 5 years ago now, and I feel the best I have ever felt. Don't get me wrong , life still throws some absolute shite your way, but I feel so much stronger both physically and mentally to overcome these challenges.

This is all thanks to having people in my life who love me and would never give up on me.

My wife and best friend, thank you so much for your support and non stop belief, i can't really think of enough words to thank you. Just that I love you and thank you for you patience.

And a huge thank you to my amazing friends in Portsmouth and Yorkshire for listening to my shit and just being there to listen to me . I do also have to thank my pt @leejohnsonpt and physio @amyradford @_active_rehabclinic for their help in making me believe in myself, for pushing me out of my comfort zone and showing me how physically and mentally strong I am and can be.

My life is so much better knowing that I have this kind of amazing support if I ever need it , I am definitely one of the lucky ones.

Obviously not everyone has this kind of support, but there are mental health charities for this exact purpose, which is why I will be doing my wing walk for the charity healthy minds calderdale and safespace that my best friend works for, she helps so many people from all walks of life, and is bloody wonderful at her job.

I'm so proud to be supporting this charity and can't thank you enough for your help and support. For me it has seriously been life changing.