Mental illness can affect everyone, whether its you, your partner, your parent, your child, your friend or your colleague. It is an isolating illness. It can be destructive to relationships and even end lives.

Mind believe that no one should have to face mental illness alone and they promote speaking to others as a great way of starting the coping and/or recovery process.

I am running for Mind firstly to promote the need to reach out and speak to someone who you may think is struggling with mental illness and secondly to raise funds to help Mind continue with the great work that they do.

So even if you can't or don't want to sponsor me please speak to that person who you think may be struggling, let them know that you are there for them. It may make all the difference!

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.