In memory of my dear mum Peggy

My mum was cheerful, outgoing and loving, and was adored by many friends. She's absolutely into dancing which she excelled. She worked very hard and she has always given me the best of the world.

Sadly depression has gradually damaged her confidence and turned her away from the joys of friends and her favourite hobby of dancing.

My mum battled long and hard against depression. I cannot decribe how much she suffered through this illness and it breaks my heart to see her treatment was having little effect on this horrible illness. It wasn't easy either for those around her, especially my dad, who did his very best to look after her.

Very few people, myself included, understand the realities of this severe and enduring illness. Clinical depression is a very serious illness caused by one or more biological factors such as physical changes to the brain. It's not a sign of weakness or something you can 'snap out of' or 'by pulling yourself together'. It is a treatable condition - early intervention and information are crucial in enabling those affected by depression to recover quickly and - critically - in preventing further episodes. No one should underestimate the effects of this illness.

My wife Maria and I are doing our first ever 10km run to raise funds for the charity Depression Alliance. It has been a traumatic time for us and we miss her terribly...however we want to prevent the same tragedy happening to someone else.

Please donate to support our chosen charity, to educate others about this illness. You can use Paypal for your donation.

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Update (25/03/2012)

We have entered the Chalgrove Festival 10K Race in Oxfordshire on Bank Holiday Monday 7th May 2012 at 12.00pm.

Let the training begin!

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Latest update (07/05/2012)

We have successfully finished the race within the target time of 1 hour despite the wind and rain! Thanks for all your support!

http://www.chalgrovefestival10k.com/

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