Thank you for visiting my page.

Over the past couple of years, I have been very open that I have struggled in the past with my own mental health. Just me? Absolutely not. I have family members who have also struggled, and continue to do so, but thankfully, now receive the support that they need. 

Why have I struggled? Well, there was no 'one' single event, so an accumulation, I guess. I am the youngest of seven siblings and lost one of my older brothers at sea (he was in the merchant navy), when I was 15 in 1987. That was devastating. My 'old man' died in 2009 fairly suddenly. Then in 2012, my brother next up from me (best man at my wedding), took his own life aged 47. Yep, I hit rock bottom. Did others in my family struggle as well, absolutely. 

Importantly (and I am still thankful to this day), I received fantastic support from my boss/es that I worked with. Crucially, through my employment with Sanctuary, I used my entitlement to support through our benefits platform. I did not have to wait very long to receive the confidential help and support that I needed. Please, please, look at what is available through the Rewards platform. Sometimes, time is very important.

Thankfully, we have made great strides with openness in relation to mental health, but we can always do more. If you can have a dig around the bottom of your purse or wallet and find a lost pound or two, or perhaps you might find the strength to forego that wee bottle of vino plonko on Friday night, or have one less pint of Moretti, and fire in to my pot, that would be real strength!

I would be very happy, but more importantly, you will feel good and SAMH will be ever so thankful. Remember, the more we raise individually, the more the Group will match fund.

Thanks everyone.