I think you all know about the mental health project in Uganda that we are supporting and I have never hidden the fact that over the years I have struggled on occasion with my own mental health issues. I guess the main difference between struggling here in the UK and in Uganda is the availability of help and treatment. I have always received without question the right medication and access to support services. In Uganda I might still have been locked in a hut at the bottom of the garden, perceived as being evil or possessed by demons and in some cases beaten in the hope of releasing those demons.

The team we are supporting are making psychiatric drugs and specialist support services available to people living in the 101 villages surrounding the hospital. I have been lucky enough to witness their work first hand, spending time in the villages with the team and have seen patients literally given their lives back with appropriate treatment and support.  Fathers who had been unable to support their families, mothers unable to look after their children have had their lives transformed. Word is spreading fast and 12 other hospitals in Uganda have pledged to allocate resources to mental health and maybe the government there will at some point climb on board and commit some funds. In the meantime we will continue to support the team at Bwindi hospital with ongoing financial support.

To mark my commitment to the Diversity Foundation I have chosen to undertake probably my biggest personal challenge yet!  For the past 54 years (or at least for as long as I can remember) I have been obsessed with my hair. It’s been long, short, permed, straight, blonde, dark...... a bad hair day = a BAD day! On Friday 1st November it is going - every last strand - I am having it all shaved off in the hope of raising £1000. This money will go straight to the team at Bwindi where I know it will make a massive difference. If you can help me reach this total with a donation, however small, I will be so very grateful.