Hi!

I've decided to take part in this activity to raise funds for Healthy Minds.

I've always suffered with my mental health and over the years this has become more challenging due to physical health problems.

Three years ago I developed an overuse injury in both my knees. It became so bad that I could not walk without crutches and was very debilitated for long periods of time, stuck in my flat and became very isolated.

Throughout this period of time I committed to physiotherapy in order to improve my condition. My right knee got better but even after multiple invasive procedures, I'm still struggling now with my left knee. I can walk short distances but rely on crutches and a wheelchair for longer ones.

This inevitably became challenging as I already suffer chronic pain and I was always someone who needed to go for walks to help myself feel better.

So in 2021 I started going swimming regularly as it was one of the few activities that did not flare my knee condition up. At first I was really bad at it and could only manage about 20 lengths(badly!) but over time I've built myself up to 50 lengths and have become a much more competent swimmer.

Swimming has really improved my mental health and I'm taking the BigSwim challenge in the hope I can swim a mile (66 lengths) to help raise money and awareness about the healthy minds charity; which has also been another critical avenue in times of distress.

I've attended healthy minds drop in sessions when I've just needed space and someone to talk to. The people who run it are so warm and welcoming. They've also offered really valuable free courses like the" living with chronic pain" which was amazing and really helped me cope better with my health conditions.

Charities like these are crucial to people who need immediate mental health support which sadly is not always easy to access on the NHS. Everyone should have access to care and healthy minds do such crucial work.

Please donate for a worthy cause and thank you so much for your support 🙏

Lindsay

I'm taking the plunge for a great cause: better mental health for everyone in Calderdale!

Please donate and help support Healthy Minds' brilliant work.

The fundraising swim will take place at 2 PM on October 6th all across the borough - at Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden pools. Come and cheer me on!

Healthy Minds provide high-quality mental health services to individuals and families in Calderdale. They promote awareness and reduce stigma by partnering with local organisations, and providing education and resources that empower people to take control of their mental health.

Learn more: www.healthymindscalderdale.co.uk