Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Over the last 12 to 18 months I have been living with anxiety.  This has gripped my life in a way that I never thought it would.  Being a man I never thought this sort of thing would affect me and it's only something women and wimps live with.  Oh how wrong was I?  

Mental health knows no barriers, reading stories about members of the Royal Family and other prominent people have shown me that I am not alone.  there is always someone out there willing to listen and be there for you.  Places like the Sanctuary who are there in the night, a voice to talk to and ears to listen with to reassure you that there is always a solution and there is always a way to help you get better.

I am conquering one demon and I am aiming to conquer another.  In June 2017 I supported a good friend of mine to help raise money for a chemotherapy ward in the North East.  He has battled through cancer and came out stronger on the other side.  We rode the Coast to Coast Cycle Route from Whitehaven to Sunderland.  Part of the route involves riding up Hartside Pass, this is listed as one of the hardest up hill routes in the UK.  Before I even started the ride I had convinced my self I could not do it, I was not a good enough rider to get up that hill.  I worried for weeks before the ride so much so I believe it hindered my recovery.

That was June 2017, I now feel mentally stronger, I now feel slightly physically stronger, I am losing weight and riding my bike with a smile on my face again.

In June 2018 I aim to do that route again and beat that demon of a hill, I will do it and I am determined to do it. I have some close friends supporting me and my long suffering wife driving our support car to help me and my friends get to the end.

So, if you can spare some change, however small, I would be very grateful as will the charity who can then continue to support those who need the help they deserve.

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.