Thanks for visiting my Just Giving page, hopefully this will give you some context as to why I am running the 2022 Yorkshire marathon and why I chose Young Minds. 

10 years ago on the 7th January 2012, I received a phone call from my mum that changed our lives forever. 

If you have ever received a phone call at 2am from your mum, THIS type of call, you know before you have heard a word, something terrible has happened... "Olis passed away" 

All the air in my body was immediately sucked out of me, as I broke down and melted to the floor, I knew this wasn't a joke, I didn't need clarification, I knew I hadn't misheard her despite it not quite feeling real. 

Oli had suffered with depression for quite some time, he was an intelligent lad but like many teenagers, he was completely closed off to telling me anything about his life, his struggles and what he was going through. The awareness surrounding depression even 10 years ago wasn't what it is now, I know my understanding and attitude has changed, and I know this is the case for many people from all generations. 

We had a difficult relationship, and clashed numerous times, and like many who have gone through suicide in their family you look backwards and think, if only i knew then what I know now. Could I have helped, could anyone have helped?

Oli was destined for bigger things, he was applying to do Philosophy at top London universities, and I knew he was going to go on and do well. He was quite a private guy, he loved his friends more than anything and they spoke so highly of him, he was a confidant to many and someone who was really social despite being quite a quiet character. Like many people who are suffering, there were red flags, but these are so easy to see in hindsight and 10 years ago it seemed like moody teenager behaviour, we always thought he would eventually get through it and come out the other side.

Oli would have never got access to a charity like Young Minds in Singapore in 2012, the provision wasn't really there, but it resonated with myself and my family, and since my first half marathon I made a commitment that I would always align any fundraising I did with them.

I'm not going to tell you all about what they do, they are better at doing that. But I can tell you I wish Oli had the chance to speak to someone there. 

I am currently sporting my finest ever dad-bod and find eating my caramel wafers is strenuous exercise, so I will need all the encouragement to get me through the biggest physical challenge I have ever done. 

I thank everyone in advance for ay support they can give, if its financial great, if its just encouragement thats good too. 

Loads of love

Will