Hi everyone,

So this Saturday is my 21st birthday and I wanted to do something to help out a cause that’s close to my heart. 

Seven years ago we lost one of my best friends, Jenna, when she took her own life. Anyone that was lucky enough to have met her will know what a bright, funny, intelligent, empathetic and loveable person she was. She brought a unique light to a room that I’ve yet to see another person emulate with such ease and flare. She was also one of the wackiest people I’ve ever met, always carrying herself with an uninhibited creativity and humour, infused with love and genuine care, which had an unbelievably positive impact on my own mood no matter what else was happening around us. I could do my best with all the words in my arsenal to describe what knowing and loving her was like but I don’t think I could come close to explaining what a pleasure and privilege it is to have been her friend in the time we had her. I suppose you just had to have been fortunate enough to have known that joy yourself. 

As I mentioned, I want to ask you all to consider donating your money and giving your support to a charity that I believe will both honour Jenna and provide invaluable help to those who need it- The Jenna Moriarty Foundation. This non-profit was set up a couple of years ago by her family in order to provide support for young people through counselling as well as part of the funding going towards scholarships for Glasgow School of Art. Have a look through their facebook page to see all the fab stuff they get up to to raise money and support them in remembering Jenna in the best way possible.

I also believe that this charity and others like it are of vital importance in times like these where we’re all feeling a bit uncertain, anxious and scared as well as disconnected from our friends and family. So while we’re all going through the current lockdown make sure that you check in with those who you feel may need that extra reassurance and love. Check in with yourself and keep sight on the end point. This, like many things, is temporary and we will get through it together, even when we’re apart. 

Please donate what you can. Had this shitty pandemic not happened I no doubt would have had you all at the pub, celebrating my birthday for days, so use that money you would have spent on my birthday pint and put it to good use. 

Thank you my dudes, lots of love x