My name is Dave Urwin. If you're on this page chances are you know that already. You may also be aware that I have become somewhat addicted to charity challenges in the past couple of years, having taken part in Mind's Cuba trek and Three Peaks Challenge during 2009. Well I'm pushing myself even further in 2010 by taking part in an actual running event when I'm about as good at running as I am at computer programming. However, this will hopefully soon change as I have a vague idea pencilled in my mind of doing the Lahdan marathon the following year and am trying very hard to stick to a training regime. By running just a little bit further each time I am hoping that there will soon come a time when I can run 10,000 metres without feeling like I've been trampled by a herd of wildebeest. It pays to be optimistic in circumstances such as these.

I'm doing this for Mind because the vast majority of people who suffer any form of mental distress face constant challenges, such as a lack of understanding and compassion from society and being stigmatised for something that is not their choice and more importantly, does not make them a lesser person - is there much of a fundamental difference between this and racism or homophobia? They say that one in four of us will suffer some form of mental distress during their lives but it's likely that far more people suffer in silence for fear of what people might say. I'd like to live in a society where it is recognised that maintaining good mental health is something we should all be concerned with, just as with physical health. After all, the two go hand in hand. If you get your five a day, take plenty of exercise and make sure you rest when your body tells you to it can do wonders for your mental state.

The issue is, of course, far more complex than this but I appreciate that we all live busy lives and you probably all have drinking, shopping, tweeting, walking, socialising, studying etc to do so for now I will say have yourself a fabulous day and count all the beautiful things that you find. If you have a spare pound or two it would make a great difference if you could sponsor me. Gawd bless ya! Visit www.mind.org.uk if you have a minute....

 

daVE : ) xXx

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.