I apologise for the sob-story, but I’ve got to try and persuade you to donate somehow:

Mental illness has been a part of my life for over ten years. At the age of twelve I was hospitalised with anorexia and subsequently had to spend an extended period of time at the Thorneywood Adolescent Unit in Nottingham. I made a miraculous recovery from the illness, but have since suffered greatly with anxiety and depression – more so during the last 5 years.

I had to quit University mid-way through my second year, and have had to leave multiple jobs due to anxiety and depression too. However, throughout the last 12 months I have been undergoing counselling, and am now feeling real improvements.

This is the reason why I have decided to tackle the 1,500 mile walk from Bingham, where I live, to Pulpit Rock in Norway. And I’ll be undergoing the solo walk to raise money for Mind, and awareness of mental health.

I want to play a part in trying to normalise mental illness, as I know how hard it can be when you’re suffering alone, and you think that no-one else knows what you’re going through. People need to start viewing mental illness the same as physical illness, and know that they are inextricably linked – it should just be known as illness, there should be no difference. You never hear someone insult a person by calling them ‘physical’, yet the phrase ‘you’re mental’ is often used by people from as early as their pre-swearword days. Mental illness can be just as life threatening as some cancers, and it needs to be taken seriously. There should be no shame in suffering from mental illness.

As you’re still reading this I’m hoping it means you’re at least mildly interested in what I’m doing. So please do decide to donate. Just think of the amount as one, or a few less drinks you’ll be having this weekend.

There’s no target for the amount of money I’m hoping to raise. However, I do want it to be the highest sum any charity event in history has ever managed to reach. No pressure.

Jake

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