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On 8th June 2024, Elle, Vick, Jen & I will be taking part in the Lake District Ultra Challenge to raise money for Mind, in memory of Elle’s partner Jay Mckenna.

On 31st October 2023, Jay sadly made the heart-breaking decision to take his own life, leaving behind his devastated partner Elle and four children. Jay was only 46 years old. On the surface, Jay was a happy-go-lucky guy with so much to live for; he and Elle had a home together, two fur-babies and had made plans for their future. Unfortunately, like many people who are feeling suicidal, Jay kept his thoughts and feelings to himself, giving no indication of his intention. According to Samaritans.org, only a third of people who die by suicide have been in contact with specialist mental health services in the year before their death.

Suicide is a significant public health and social inequality issue, with more than 6,000 people across the UK and Republic of Ireland taking their own lives each year. Tens of thousands more attempt suicide. Sadly, suicide is an issue which impacts us all either directly or indirectly at some point in our lives.

Statistically, suicide is more common among some groups than others. For example, it is more likely among men than women, and in particular men in their 40s and 50s from a lower socio-economic group. Additionally, suicide is complex and most of the time there isn’t one event or factor that leads someone to take their own life. It is usually a combination of lots of different factors interacting with each other to increase risk. A combination of individual, community, and societal factors contribute to the risk of suicide.

Even though 1 in 4 people have mental health problems, most of us don’t get the help we need. Elle has chosen the charity ‘Mind’ to support as their focus is to change this; to fight for mental health.

According to their website, ‘Mind’ change minds across England and Wales by making mental health an everyday priority. By standing up to the injustices – in healthcare, in work, in law – which make life harder for those of us with mental health problems. They support minds – by offering help whenever you might need it through our information, advice and local services.

The challenge itself is a 50km walk starting in Kendal, walking north up the Long Sleddle Valley, and over the testing Garburn Pass with stunning views, and on to Windermere and Ambleside. It’s around the west side of Lake Windermere to the finish line. We are expecting it to take us between 12-14 hours.

We appreciate any donation, big or small, that will enable ‘Mind’ to continue to support those who are most in need. Thank you in advance,

Jen, Elle, Vick and Sarah x x x

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