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On 8th June 2024, Jen l, Sarah and I will be taking part in the Lake District Ultra Challenge to raise money for Mind, in memory of Elle’s partner Jay Mckenna and for my own personal struggle with anxiety, OCD and psychosis in July last year.

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. 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.

I was one of the lucky ones. I suffered a mental health crisis where I completely shut down in mind and body, lost all sense of reality and in all honesty I didn’t want to live. Luckily I was able to seek help as I knew the alternative didn’t bear thinking about. Through the home treatment team and support of my family, I was able to be treated at home and not in a hospital- which would have meant me being away from my young daughter for a period of time. Being asked if I would voluntarily go into hospital for my mental health is not something I ever envisaged happening to me. But it did.

Since this happened to me I am now wanting to share my experience and raise awareness of mental health. To get rid of the stigma and encourage people to talk. It really can save a life.

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. This is too many and needs to change.

Even though 1 in 4 people have mental health problems, most of us don’t get the help we need. That is why we have 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,

Vick, Jen and Sarah x x x

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