Over the last two years the majority of us have struggled in some way due to COVID 19 through either contracting the virus, being made redundant or simply being locked away from our loved ones but we have managed to get through this pandemic with the support of each other. We completed endless quizzes, became tech wizards on Zoom and played countless hours on numerous video games.

Now we are through the worst of the virus and the vaccine has allowed us to enjoy our lives again it is quite easy to think everything is back to normal. However, there are still thousands of people of all ages still suffering from the effects of the pandemic. You might not be able to see the affects, but these people are suffering from mental health problems as a result of the last two years.

The pandemic has taken a huge toll on the mental health of the entire nation. People with existing mental health problems have seen their symptoms worsen while many others are struggling with their mental health for the first time. Mind’s research found that around one in three adults and over one in three young people said their mental health had got worse since the beginning of the pandemic.

As a way of showing my support to the work that Mind do to support people of all ages with mental health, I am embarking on a challenge that will see me pushed way out of my comfort zone. I have signed up to walk the Thames Path Challenge (100KM) and aim to complete the walk in under 24 hours. The challenge starts in Bishops Park, Fulham and winds its way along the River Thames finishing in Henley.

I will be grateful for any donations big or small that supports this amazing charity and thank you in advance for your generosity.

Andy