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On May the 6th Chris Talbot and I will be setting off walking from Ulverston through to Carlisle covering 73 miles over the course of 4-5 days in memory of my cousin,  whose life was sadly taken by suicide at the start of this year. She was an amazing and vibrant person who was taken from us far too early. I’m sure she put on a brave face for all of those around her and her passing made me reflect on the internalisation of mental struggles. 

For the first 2-3 days we’ll be joined by another of our closest friends Aron Kirsh. His presence and navigational support will be a reminder of the importance of friendship and reliance on others.

In my work as a GP I am regularly reminded of the sheer volume of people who share these same, often crushing internal battles on a daily basis. The world and its circumstances can be very cruel and make it a difficult place to inhabit and we all may one day find ourselves in similar situations. 

This walk and fundraising effort pales in terms of significance when compared to what was lost when Katy passed away and the devastating effect it has had, however if a little can be done to help bolster the efforts of those who work at mental health organisations such as Mind, who are actively engaging with people in their direst of moments then it is worth doing. Sometimes all is needed is a chat with someone who is ready to listen and to know that you’re never alone. 

I’ve taken some the information below off of the MIND website. Thank you very much for all your donations it means a lot. 

£10 will cover a 45-minute webchat or call to our countywide 365 days a year Mindline service.

£20 will enable someone who has been through the mental health system, to meet with others to share experiences and support ther.

£30 will enable us to offer a safe space, a 1-1 meeting, a listening ear and support going forward with information and resources to take away.

There is also another page for donations directly in Katy’s memory, again to MIND available here.

 https://memoryspace.mind.org.uk/MemorySpace/Katy-Gough#.Y8RjnuUPgk8.whatsapp

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