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Mark, Michelle, and Sarah (Make Something Marvellous Norfolk!). We have been negatively impacted in some way by Mental Health and the lack of help there is out there for people struggling.

This all started when Sarahs son Peter took his life in September 2022 aged just 26. He constantly asked for help but was stuck somewhere in the NHS Mental Health system, never actually receiving the treatment he so desperately needed. He was taken to A&E after the police found him and they felt he was a risk to himself.

Tragically, the Mental Health Team released him saying he was not at risk. 5 days later he took his life! He was so ill with depression, and the illness killed him.

Mark was Petes close friend and an amazing support to Peter in the last few years of his life battling suicide attempts, and depression.

Michelle, a close friend and support of the family. But Michelle has her own worrying issues too as she is trying to get support for her two daughter's and their mental health issues, waiting on lists, and going round in circles, not getting anywhere.

Being aware of Mental health and suicide is fantastic, but what if we have nowhere to send people when we are aware they are suicidal or poorly? We need to get to people BEFORE they reach that crisis point. Talking sometimes stops it temporarily, but we need to get to the root of the illness, and not keep putting sticky plasters over something much bigger. People need in depth treatment and follow up treatment.

Peter used to say he felt like it was a cancer spreading through his body. Suicide is the biggest killer of people under the age of 35 in the UK. It's a national emergency.

So, we thought what's the point in moaning about the lack of help if we are not going to do anything to help? MIND Norfolk and Waveney have been there for me (Sarah) since Peter died helping us with suicide loss. They help is so many ways with people who are ill. The practical help they give is immeasurable in Norfolk, and they reach areas that the NHS are not reaching.

We are very overweight, unfit and middle aged! Sarah can't even walk to the top of the stairs without struggling to breathe! HOWEVER, in October 2023 we are cycling approx. 240 miles in Norfolk over a period of 3/4 days consecutively, (less if we become super fit!)

The training has started; we are going to do it! We are going to do this for the people that have taken their life and for the people suffering with poor mental health. If the money we raise saves just one life , it will be worth it!

Please help and motivate us to do this by donating on our Just Giving page and sharing this group to all your contacts.

LETS MAKE SOMETHING MARVELLOUS!