On June 12th 2021 I will be embarking on the challenge of completing the National Three Peaks in aid of the charity Mind. I have to say
when signing up for this challenge I could hear my friend Zoe laughing saying, "what on EARTH is she doing?!!". It's definitely going to be a
challenge, and one that will test not only my physical strength, but my mental strength. I'll be climbing the tallest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales all within a 24 hour time frame. Starting with Ben Nevis (1,344 m), then onto Scafell Pike (978m), and finishing on Snowdon (1,085m). All in all, the trek will be around 26 miles and I will be ascending to a total height of almost 3,000m!

Zoe, who I mentioned would be so kindly laughing at me for doing this challenge, was taken from us to suicide. It's been four years since we lost her. It was a shock to everyone who was close to her, and goes to show that mental health can be a silent and deadly battle that should not be silent. Zoe was always the ray of sunshine that you needed, and I think since that day, I've constantly tried to help those in need and tried to make a difference. Which is why I signed up to this challenge.

There are many people that battle it silently like Zoe did, and I still have people very close to me to this day who try to be silent about their struggles with mental health. I think now more than ever, it's something that needs to be put to the forefront. Although it's a constant saying about the stigma needing to banish, it really is true that this stigma and stereotype is still a major problem. It's something that almost everyone will battle at some point in their life. The more we can do to destigmatize, raise awareness and help those in need, will hopefully mean that more lives can change and can be saved.

Mind are a mental health charity that: 'provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.' They believe that no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. They're there to listen, give support and advice, and fight your corner. I know from first hand experience that Mind were a major help during a crisis. In 2018/2019 alone there were 15.9 million people who accessed Mind's information and helpline. There's no doubt that this number has drastically increased during the past and present year. This incredible opportunity, with the aid of you to help raise money for Mind, means we can help someone in need.

Every penny raised will go to funding and supporting the great work that Mind does for helping those battling mental health. This is what your donation can do to help:

£20 = helps run their online support community Elefriends
for an hour, helping people connect with others and feel less alone.

£40 = helps the Infoline answer calls, providing someone
with vital support and information about help available to them.

£50 = helps Mind campaign for better mental health services
from the Government, ensuring people get the support they need, as soon as they
need it.

£100 = could pay the cost of one of the Infoline or Legal
Line advisors for a whole day. With this amazing donation, Mind can maintain
their advisors, ready to answer calls for support and help.

Bigger donations will help even more in supporting Mind create bigger change in the battle with mental health! Please give what you can in these challenging times. 

Every donation will be a massive help towards Mind! As well as breaking the barrier and allowing people struggling with mental health to have a voice and get the help they need! I'll keep everyone who supports this challenge updated on my journey! I hope to see you all there with me :) It's going to be tough, but together we can do this and make a change!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.