Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I have updated this page as I am continuing to raise funds for The Mix and this page will document each challenge as it happens.

I lost my beautiful daughter Kiera to Mental Illness when she took her own life in October 2017.  We were all blissfully unaware that she was suffering, as is quite often the case in these situations, Kiera's future was not just bright, it was incandescent.

Frighteningly, 200 schoolchildren take their lives every year and based on my experience I would imagine this to be more, as Kiera's death was not put down to suicide due to there not being sufficient evidence to support it, in these circumstances the Coroner looks for intent, for example a suicide note.

I do not want anyone else to go through what my family and I have and continue to go through, so raising money for "The Mix" as well as  awareness of Mental Health in general is paramount.

"The Mix is a multi-channel advice service designed to support the physical and mental well-being of under 25s across the UK. We reach 2 million young people every year through the digital, social and mobile technologies of their choice.

Young people’s lives can be a challenging mix of highs and lows. Their issues are emotional and intertwined and there is seldom a simple answer to their problems - that’s where The Mix comes in. We provide free, confidential support through phone, text, web, social and counselling - connecting young people to experts and their peers to talk about everything from homelessness to finding a job, from money to mental health, from break-ups to drugs.

Whatever issue a young person is facing, The Mix is always there for them, providing help, information and support 24/7."

I have climbed a mountain in Morocco, completed a sponsored walk on the Great Wall of China, done a triathlon, run 50k, eaten bugs amongst various (pictures below) other things.

In 2022 I started my quest to complete various challenges, one per month for the year initially, which I did, but it was not without it's own challenge and for this reason and in order to consider my own mental health, I am reducing the challenges to 4 per year, but as I am continuing to raise funds for The Mix, I am simply carrying on with the same page and adding as I go.

Updates/proof of completion will be added to this site.

Mental illness is very real and the understanding of this issue has improved greatly over the years, however, there is still work to be done, the funding for help is tight so every penny raised will have a meaningful impact on potentially saving a life.

It is so important to look after your mental health in the same way that you might look after your physical health, ultimately prevention is always better than cure.  Asking for or seeking help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.