Jim Hawes was a gentle giant of a man who did not seem to have a care in the world.He always had time for people and when he met you he made you feel as if he had been looking forward to seeing you all day. He loved his rugby but the other thing that resonated with me about Jim was that he rode his bike for miles including the long distance canals of France. He was one of the last people we expected to suffer from depression.

Jim took his own life in June 2016.

This great tragedy affected so many people in the Tylers Green area that it was decided that this year’s Annual Penn 7 and Fun Run, the 34^th time it has been held, would be dedicated to Jim’s memory and help raise funds for the mental health charity Buckinghamshire MIND.

Other events have spun off from this including quizzes, fun nights, people running the London Marathon etc.

My running days are but a distant memory, and someone has to put out the stakes and ropes! I can, however, walk, so this year Sue Howard and I would like to raise money via our May walk, from Ravenglass to Scarborough for Buckinghamshire MIND in Jim’s memory. It is logged at 207 miles.

If you are able to sponsor us that would be great and we thank you. If not, then don’t worry. We would ask instead that if you know someone suffering from depression, then please give them your time and an arm around their shoulders to support them.