In September this year it’ll be 10 years since I lost my beautiful Mum, Kari Ann Paxton. After battling with depression and anxiety throughout most of her life, Mum suffered a nervous breakdown caused by stress and bullying at work and just six weeks later, I came home to find she had taken her own life. My wonderful, funny, caring, clever, strong Mum was taken by mental illness. If Mum had reached out for help earlier and if the right help was available to her when she did ask for it, she might still be here today. Instead she struggled in silence for a long time, afraid to speak about how she was feeling. 1 in 4 people will experience mental health issues in their life and no one should ever be afraid to say they are struggling. I can’t bring my Mum back but I can help to raise awareness and try and get people to ask for help when they need it. Since I lost Mum I’ve suffered from anxiety and depression myself, something I struggled to recognise and admit to anyone, including myself for a very long time, despite my experience of it with Mum. But in the last year, I’ve sought help and it’s working so I finally feel strong enough to speak up and try to help others. I’ve also found running which has been amazing for my mental health. (Thanks endorphins!) So, I’ve signed up for the Great South Run, a 10 mile run in aid of Mind, the mental health charity. If you can, please sponsor me and help me end the stigma of mental health so no one else loses a loved one because of it. Thank you x