1 in 4 people in the UK suffer from some sort of mental disorder. This is common figure used in the media. However there are thousands of people who just need to connect to another human being, just to help them survive another day. The Samaritans are there 24/7 for those in distress and despair. I live on the Isle of Wight, it is a beautiful place, but it also has its share of life's problems. Each branch of the Samaritans is responsible for raising its own funds, please help me to help them.

I reached more than 26 stone 2 years ago, and was thinking of disability aids and how I was to remain mobile. In the past I have also suffered from depression and a nervous breakdown, so know first hand how bleak life can become. Although I never called the Samaritans, it is a lifeline for those who are suicidal and despairing.

My aim is to reach 11.5 stone as quickly and as healthily as I can. So far I have lost 4 stone 3.5 lbs, and to reach my target I have still to lose 10stone 7.5 lbs, please support my efforts and help keep me on the straight and narrow! :0)

I have started a blog to chart my progress, it can be found at

 http://tracyo-marathonandshrink.blogspot.com/ 

I will keep you all up to date with my weight loss there.I am attending a slimming group every Tuesday evening, so will update my weight every Wednesday. However you wish to donate - whether a certain amount for every pound I lose or if you just wish to donate as I go along, ether would be marvellous. Whatever you can give to support the Samaritans will be gratefully recieved.

The other challenge I set myself was to run a marathon, I am currently training to run the Brighton Marathon in April 2011, for this I will be raising funds for Mind - the mental health charity. My just giving page for this can be found at

http://www.justgiving.com/brightonandshrink 

Thank you for reading this and I thank you in advance for any help you can give me and the Samaritans.

Big hugs and thanks,

Tracy

What your donations will achieve:

Every pound you give will enable the Isle of Wight Branch of the Samaritans not only to recruit and train volunteers but it will also help them to keep the phone lines open for those in despair and distress. Thank-you for helping me, to help them, to help the callers who need the Samaritans.

 

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.