Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am raising money for Oxfordshire Mind in memory of my brother, Gary, who lost his life at the age of 27. I am now 27 myself and realise now, more than ever how young he really was, how much he still needed to do and experience, how much life he had left to live, how much he still had to give and how much he wanted to achieve.

Gary was first diagnosed with mental illness when he was only 19. Depression was the first diagnosis he received, however, he unfortunately continued to struggle with his mental health from then on and was later diagnosed as having other mental health conditions, ranging from schizoaffective disorder, bipolar, manic depression, personality disorder and schizophrenia.

Gary also struggled with alcohol and drug addictions throughout this time.

Throughout these years Mind was there to help care for and support Gary, and us, his family. Without their help we would have all felt even more alone and afraid.

Mental health is still so misunderstood, under supported and suorrounded my stigma. Please help families experiencing mental health problems get the support, care and advice they need.

Mental health is said to affect around 1 in 4 people in Britain, therefore you, a family member or friend is likely to be affected my mental health within your/their life. Give the gift of a supportive hand and a shoulder to cry on, give the gift of a donation to help the millions of people struggling with their mental health so they can receive the support and care they so desperately need.

I am walking 27 miles, along the ridgeway, on Wednesday 17th August (Gary's birthday) to signify the 27 years of life Gary had. He died so young and struggled for too many years. Please help me help others who are struggling now, who need help to make their struggle better and their life easier.

Thank you x