Hi all,

As some of you may know I have been struggling with anxiety and depression for a number of years now.

Thankfully – I have had the brilliant support of my family (thanks Gemma and Isabelle) and have also been able to access counselling services for free through work.

Unfortunately – some people don’t have this support available – and the waiting list for free counselling through the NHS in the North East is currently 6 months.

So I have decided I’d like to raise some money for Mental Health Concern – a North East Charity who specialise in mental health support.

My challenge will be to not drink alcohol for 6 weeks (1 week for every month on the waiting list for services through the NHS).

I have chosen this for 2 reasons:-

1.      I wanted something that would be a challenge for me – and don’t think I have gone this long without alcohol since I was 17!

2.      Because there is a link between alcohol consumption and mental health

I’ll be starting today – and will be very much looking forward to the 20^th March 2020!!