I am taking part in the Great North Swim (one mile of Windermere on 24th June) and the Great Manchester Swim (one mile at Salford Quays on 1st July) in order to raise much needed funds for Mental Health Research UK, a charity which funds research into the causes of, and treatments for, mental illness. This cause is close to my heart as my son Martin took his own life, at the age of 27, in December 2011. Martin's life was blighted for many years with mental health issues.

My nephew Paul and my niece Helen are also taking part in the great North Swim in aid of Mental Health Research UK and their Justgiving page can be found here.

Mental illness accounts for one third of all illness, but research into mental illness attracts less than ten per cent of all health related research funds. So please give your support in order to help address this funding imbalance, and to provide better diagnoses and treatments for those who suffer from mental illness in the future.

In memory of a witty, intelligent and much loved young man - our Martin.

Andrew

Please leave a message with your donation or remain anonymous if you wish. You can donate through this page or direct to Mental Health Research UK using the link above.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast, and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they will not be sold on and you will not be sent unwanted emails. Once you donate your money will be sent directly to the charity and Gift Aid reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.