Kaj was a dear friend who passed away on April 15th 2020. He meant the world to me and to so many others, and his presence is sorely missed by us all.

A birthday is meant to be a celebration of another year lived and in the UK, a 21st birthday is still considered a milestone even though 18 is now the age of majority. As he is not with me for this milestone, I wanted to do something to honour his memory. Kaj was an important part of my life and his influence was one of many to shape me into the person I am today.

I chose CALM as the charity to raise money for in tribute to Kaj as mental health was something we were both passionate about. CALM is particular works to not only spread awareness in general but to spread awareness of men's mental health and, to quote their page, "challenge boring male stereotypes and encourage positive behavioural change and help-seeking behaviour". Kaj especially cared about this, we had many talks on mental health and the stigma surrounding it. It was thus logical for me to choose CALM as the charity to fundraise for in memory of Kaj.

Kaj once told me that my "unrelenting optimism is infectious" and whilst I don't think I've ever been referred to as an optimist by anyone else, I do believe in finding or creating good from tragedy. Fundraising for CALM in his honour is my way of doing this.