25 years ago my younger brother Joe was born.

5 years ago, during his first year at university, he told my family and I that he was addicted to drugs and alcohol.

During those five years we experienced a number of high and lows; including watching him suffer from withdrawal, battling with him as he was in and out of the priory on numerous occasions. To enjoying birthday celebrations in my parents garden and that last holiday we all took together.

Those memories, good and bad, I will always hold dear because sadly on the 21.10.23, as I went to go say hello before heading out to a party with friends, I found that he had passed away from an overdose. This will forever be the most harrowing night of my life as I struggled through the initial shock, dealing with the police and calling my father, who was away, to tell him that his only son had died.

While my family and I still come to terms with our loss, we hope something good can come from it.

Taking Action on Addiction is a national campaign that aims to reframe existing perceptions of addiction and build awareness of it that improves understanding and empathy.

Help me to raise money and spread this message to ensure individuals and families going through similar situations have access to the support and resources they need.

In the famous words of my brother as I take on the 62 mile Jurassic Coastal Challenge - keep on keeping on!