Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This year, from the 7th September to the 15th September I am taking on a mighty challenge of riding the length of Britain! I'll be riding from Lands End to John O'Groats, a total of 980 miles (1575 km) in 9 days. I'm fundraising for a charity called SANE but also to get people TALKING to each other about their mental health. This will be my biggest ever physical challenge, but also one of my biggest mental challenges, which is exactly why I am doing it.

Not a lot of people know, but I have been a sufferer of depression and anxiety for over 15 years. Recently, I've discovered evidence that could suggest I've had these conditions for even longer than that. I have spent the majority of my life keeping it to myself - fearful that if I spoke up people might react to me or treat me differently. However, what I've learnt about mental health is that ultimately it is part of your whole HEALTH and the best thing you can do is to look after it, as you would your physical health.

I have found many ways over the years to help with my own wellbeing, from spending time in nature either walking, surfing or cycling, playing team sports, to spending time with loved ones. I'm not always successful in my efforts, and still have moments when I am beaten by my illness, but these days I'm never discouraged. I am thankful for the people in my life that support me and encourage me to talk. It is that message I want to share.

TALK to someone. Talk to a friend, a team mate, a family member, a professional or all of the above. Just TALK. Sometimes simply saying things out loud can make a difference. Lean on the people you love to help you through it and encourage them to do the same. Don't be a lone wolf - being part of a pack is a good start to making positive changes to your mental health and wellbeing.

Now working as a youth coach at Malvern RFC, my hometown club that I played for when I was younger, I also hope to raise mental health awareness in a team environment too. I aim to get people talking in each team, in the clubhouse, on the touchline and in the coaching box so we can all support each other as a community.

For the challenge itself, I will proudly be wearing the Malvern RFC colours as my jersey with SANE as a focal point. I have some brilliant local Malvern companies that have kindly agreed to sponsor the jersey and it is currently in the final design phase. In the coming weeks, I will reveal the designs. I hope to see some of you on my training rides around Malvern over the coming months when I'm in the jersey.

Thank you for taking the time to read my page and thank you for your donation.

The charity I am fundraising for - SANE - raises awareness of mental health along with offering a 24/7 support network to help those people that need it. Your donations will make a huge difference.

https://www.sane.org.uk/who-we-are

https://www.sane.org.uk/how-we-help

#TeamSANE #DontBeALoneWolf #OneVern

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