Anshu Asthana, should have been celebrating his 50th birthday on 3 May, 2025. Sadly, that won’t be happening because we lost him 13 years ago, at just 37. Ask anyone who knew him and they would tell you that he was a character and a half! Anshu was loving, vibrant, creative, funny, caring, so smart, and just an extraordinary person who deserved to live so much longer, but who lived an incredible 37 years. He also struggled with mental health issues, but through it all supported others who were struggling so much, including so many who had Bipolar, and who he knew had incredible strengths, including mind blowing creativity. In Anshu’s memory, days before what should have been his 50th- Hanna Bain and I (Anushka) will be heading to Manchester - where Anshu and I grew up- to do our first (and maybe only!) marathon. We are raising money for a truly brilliant small charity, Bipolar UK, for whom I am now an ambassador and who I know Anshu would support. We need to change the way people see Bipolar disorder, and fight for earlier diagnoses. If you would like to support us, we would appreciate any donation.

Love, Anushka and Hanna xx