A lot of you will know we have had a bit of tough year, besides Covid.  Our beloved son, aged just 19 by 5 days decided to try and take his own life, drug induced!  He had suffered with his Mental Health for years  but found himself in a University flat with a drug dealer,  Many of you, as we, didn't / won't realise that people with these conditions seek help with illegal drugs because what is offered legally either isn't offered,  isn't available or just doesn't work.  

We, and Billy were very lucky.. he jumped 30 feet, he landed on his feet and survived. He smashed his face and had many injuries but it was not his time.

I have told you this heart breaking story because just a few months before Billy admitted himself to a Pysch ward in Lincoln. 18, alone and frightened he was met by a couple of 'in mates' , they would have been on the streets if they weren't on the ward. They were dressed in ragged clothes and to be honest dirty , but when he cried as he entered the ward they  spoke to him, tried their best to calm him and make him feel safe.  

My view changed, i heard their arguments with doctors to go home when they were sectioned and I will be forever be grateful i got my boy out before that could happen  . I just want to be able to keep these peoples warm, protected and safe when they are finally allowed to come home and a Charity such as CharityLink can help

Charity Link - which supports people in financial need in Leics, Rutland & Northants by providing essential items (including food, clothing, beds, cookers & fridges) - is expecting a 40% + loss in fundraising income this year due to the pandemic. This is at the same time as the number of people needing help increases - including many families directly impacted by Covid-19.From March to the end of June Charity Link received 774 requests for help (379 from those directly impacted by the pandemic), helped 1,568 people (of which 637 were children) and distributed essential items worth £162,316.87. In June alone Charity Link witnessed a 17.34% rise in the number of clients needing help. Read stories of those already helped at www.charity-link.org/about-us/lives-changed Charity Link desperately needs funds to continue to support those in need in the coming months & years.By supporting my Strides Apart Challenge you'll help to ensure more local people have the basics in life.