I will be embarking on a life changing journey in March 2020, along with 99 other work colleagues from all over the world.

We will be trekking along the Andean volcanic mountain range in Ecuador. The 100km trek will take place at high altitude, reaching 4,300m above sea level. Everyone will be required to carry their own equipment, surviving on basic meals in an alien environment. In order to complete this challenge we will all need to be in peak physical condition but more importantly demonstrate the mental resolve to cope with the stressors posed along the way. 

Our brains are complex. There are over a billion cells and a trillion connectors. Our emotions shape our desires, thoughts and behaviours and we live at the mercy of our emotions. Traumas, both physical and mental, both large and small, can have a big impact on our emotions and brains; we need to be aware and understand our emotions and why we feel the way we feel. You don't need to be in crisis to have a mental heath condition. The human mind is fragile and needs to be looked after.

Fortunately in recent years Mental Health has received much deserved spotlight in the public domain. I have come to be informed that how we perceive and feel about ourselves can often be more important than our physical wellbeing.

Every penny I am able to raise will go to Mind, a UK based charity that provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They provide emotional support to people in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the UK. Today, the Mind volunteers will answer over 300 calls for help; your donations will help them answer tomorrow's call

Not so fun facts:

1) 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Mental health illness is indiscriminate, it can affect anyone at anytime!

2) About 800,000 people commit suicide every year, more years of life are lost to suicide than other single cause except heart disease and cancer

3) Suicide is the leading cause of death in Western Europe for both Men and Women aged 20-34

Your support will have a life-changing impact! Mind's support services are a lifeline and support people at critical moments.

If you are willing and able, please do sponsor me, as little or as much as you can. Save a life. Thank you