In less than 3 weeks time, I’ll be abseiling down one of London’s highest City landmarks – The Leadenhall Building AKA the Cheesegrater, standing at a whopping 215m!

And why? To fundraise £500 for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal’s three charity partners –MQ Mental Health Research, Homewards and National Numeracy – who each deliver groundbreaking programmes and find solutions to some of UK’s most pressing societal issues.

But why me?… Let’s rewind to 2015. I’m a competitive athlete, I work in a gym, and I’m suddenly diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I spend the next 2 years in a wheelchair. My mental health nosedived. I was part of the 25% of people who suffer from mental illness each year. From playing sport and working out every day, I became stressed, sad and withdrawn.

But then I remembered the hobby my gran had shared with me. Iris Folding felt like the perfect escape. A mindful practice to help me feel the pride and accomplishment that my condition had taken away from me. Craft became my escapism and became my sense of purpose at a time I needed it most.

I found my way through it, but many don’t.

As someone who has personally battled with mental health challenges, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact it has on individuals and communities. That's why I'm especially passionate about supporting MQ Mental Health Research (one of The Lord Mayor’s Appeal’s charity partners), an organisation at the forefront of tackling this growing issue. Your contribution to this fundraiser will fuel groundbreaking research, providing hope and solutions for those in need.

On top of this, I’m also raising funds for the two other incredible charities of the Lord Mayor's Appeal: National Numeracy, and Homewards. Together, let's create a brighter, healthier future for people struggling across the UK.