One in four of us will experience mental ill health this year. 

Is if that wasn't scary enough, here's the catch, none of us are immune.  

A loving family, robust physical health and a good job didn't protect me from being diagnosed with depression several years ago.  Like so many other cruel conditions and diseases that blight too many lives, mental ill health isn't picky.  It really could be you, a loved one, a friend or a colleague. 

One in four.

As a society we've come a long way in recognising, understanding and treating mental ill health but we've still got a distance to travel.

There are still too many people suffering in silence, often with devastating consequences.

I've spoken publicly about my experience and since doing so I've been overwhelmed by messages of support from people who know me but had no idea about my illness as well as from people I've never even met.

I'm incredibly grateful but now I'm asking for your support again. 

I've dusted off my running shoes and I'm dragging my body around the streets in preparation for the Great North Run.  It'll be my fourth and while I doubt I'll beat the time I recorded in my first, the sense of achievement will be exactly the same.

So on 9 September 2018, when I should be celebrating my 23rd wedding anniversary, I'll be plodding my weary way from Newcastle to South Shields.

If you could spare a few quid to donate to MIND, the mental health charity, it'll make it all worthwhile.

Thank you again so much.

John