Updated on May 6th 2012 at 8:52 PM from the JustGiving API

Need a boost folks.

I have been enthused to run.

Yes this is James. The Heck, Hecker, Big Man, Daddy Heck, however you know me… Yes he said enthused to RUN! What could possibly have stimulated such an unlikely occurrence?

Recently I have had some pretty serious reflection on the nature of what I do for a living and the impact that diagnosis with psychiatric disease can have on the life of people with mental illness.

We need more funding for research.

At a time of austerity it is often the mental health sector that suffers most. We are hearing daily news of funding being cut for vital services and support for people who are sorely in need. Your donations could help researchers find answers and make a huge contribution to improving the lives of those with mental illness.

In my experience as a doctor I have learned that the people that probably suffer most within medicine are those with chronic psychotic illnesses. Mental illness and brain disease is devastating. They cause profound distress not only to their sufferers but also to their families and friends. I see this every single day at work. A diagnosis of Schizophrenia is terribly stigmatising, it can tear families apart and sufferers lose friends; as the media still continue to paint a pejorative picture of the disease in the news. I have often pondered that a diagnosis of Schizophrenia would be more devastating to me than one of cancer. Sufferers often having to live the rest of their life isolated, losing their jobs in careers they have worked hard in and consequently end up unemployed and in severe poverty having to endure personal humiliation as well as social disadvantage which can make recovery even more difficult.

Can you find two minutes of your time to support James in his run and Donate to a valuable cause. One day your money may Help thousands of people have a more fulfilling and happy life.

James running! The complimentary photo depicting the spectacle will surely be compensation enough for your cash. Dig deep. If I hit the target I will pledge to upgrade to a torturous half marathon. And, who knows maybe one day I’ll do the full 46k.

Thank you.

James xxx

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