September 2018 was the 20 year anniversary of Rob’s tragic death through suicide. He was 21 years old when he died. The phone call to tell us he’d taken his own life is a very traumatic memory - you never imagine this will happen to you. Needless to say, I thought my life was over at the time.

We knew Rob had suffered from Clinical Depression on and off since he was a teenager, but thought he’d worked through it. I wish I could say he hadn’t received psychological support, but he had been supported well whilst at school, & then chose not to access services at uni. Very sadly, he also didn’t feel able to open up to friends about his struggles with depression. So he felt alone in that way.

Unfortunately, when someone commits suicide, memories of them become predominantly sad ones. However, he was a very funny bloke with a dry sense of humour. He was very kind and generous. He also achieved lots in his short life - he was academically very successful and played tennis and golf very well. He loved Indie music, and studied French at uni. He was on track to get a 2:1.

To make a positive gesture, remember Rob & help me further along the acceptance process, I decided to organise a fundraiser for a Mental Health Charity. I feel passionately that there isn’t enough NHS funding for mental health. People who can’t afford private therapy should be able to access the support they need when in distress. Mind provide counselling and support groups for people experiencing Mental Health problems, and promote understanding of Mental Illness. I’m so relieved to see this charity and others encouraging men to open up more and talk about their feelings, rather than bottling it up.

Finally, the decision to have an 80s party is because I LOVE 80s music, fancy dress, a good dance, having a few drinks & letting my hair down with my friends. Hopefully, this early birthday party will be a fab way to raise money for a cause very close to my heart.

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