Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Hello all - a bit of an update from me.

Since 2020 I have been struggling with the after effects of post concussion syndrome. Unfortunately while playing rugby, like in all aspects of my life, I wore my heart on my sleeve and put myself out there - this resulted in a series of head injuries over a 3 year period that still have a profound effect on me to this day.

I remember speaking to a Doctor in Edinburgh who said “its like breaking your leg 14 times and expecting it to be the same” when referring to my brain and the number of times I was knocked unconscious in such a short period of time.

Over the last 5 years or so, whilst I didn’t notice at first, these injuries began to take a toll on my personal and professional life. From light and noise sensitivity, never ending migraines, a total inability to sleep, irritability, behavioural changes, memory loss, tinnitus and later - anxiety and depression - my symptoms continued to get worse - and I personally didn’t open up or seek the medical help I needed to overcome what had happened.

I think because I didn’t notice at first, and because you can’t physically see; a panic attack, a migraine, a period of depression, constant tinnitus… other people don’t notice. And I continued to try and pretend I was fine, and put a brave face on, when in fact I was struggling to just keep my head above water.

When you wake up in the morning and can’t remember where you are, what you are meant to be doing that day or even whether you’ve woken from a nap or regular sleep despite the fact its a regular Monday or Tuesday for everyone else - its scary and over a period of time it took its toll on me. Its easier to isolate yourself and try and hide what you are going through than to reach out for help and confront the fact you are not ok.

Unfortunately for me, in 2024 I was admitted to hospital requiring urgent medical care due to the progression of these symptoms. Again something only those closest to me are aware of.

After finally receiving the treatment I needed I feel I’m in a place to give back to those who helped me in darker moments of my life. I also want to take accountability and responsibility for mistakes I’ve made along the way (and theres been a few).

With this in mind I’ve taken on a series of challenges in August of this year to test my physical and mental endurance - and prove to myself and others that no matter what life throws at you if you keep moving forward, and take action and accountbility, then anything is possible.

For me this has started with losing weight (ashamedly 15kg), getting myself back in shape, back to work, back to routine. In exercise, lifestyle choices, time spent with those closest to me, and taking treatment seriously I have seen such significant benefits in all areas of my life but I am aware that not everybody has access to the incredible support I’ve received from friends, family, work, rugby clubs, gyms, doctors etc over the years.

Frankly, I think so many people ‘talk’ about mental health, large companies pay lip service to it, universities and schools will do a talk once a year, Governments use it as a buzzword, but for me it's become an ambition to do something to actually help people. Not just talk about.

What this chapter of my life has taught me is that the comeback is bigger than the setback, and it's what you do today that counts. Mental health issues can affect anyone at any time, in the UK I genuinely believe we have a crisis affecting so many people - and whether things are affecting you now, life has been tough for you in the past, or someone close to you is having a hard time - know you’re never alone. Be patient, and not judgemental. Help is always there. And things do get better.

Over a 2 week period in August I’ll be running The Speyside Way UltraMarathon, completing 24 straight hours in the gym, and completing the National 3 Peaks Challenge - all for Mind York.

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Mind York support people struggling with their mental health in the York area.

£30 could pay for an adult or young person to attend one counselling session.

£240 could support a young person to access 12 sessions of 1-1 mentoring, helping them to achieve personal goals and make sustainable positive changes in their lives.

£480 could provide someone with a confidential safe space to talk to a trained counsellor about anything that is a problem to them or causing difficulty through 16 sessions of 1-1 counselling.

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My Just Giving Link is in my Bio - And any support would be greatly appreciated.