Robert Stones

I'm fundraising for Rethink Mental Illness!

This May, I am taking on the 100 Miles in May challenge to raise crucial funds for Rethink Mental Illness. This endeavour holds particular significance for me as it coincides with the one-year anniversary of my failed suicide attempt.

Having navigated my own mental health challenges and being aware of the struggles faced by many others, I have gained a deep understanding of the necessity for readily available resources and robust support systems. It is with this understanding that I am committed to supporting Rethink Mental Illness in their commendable mission to enhance the lives of individuals affected by severe mental health conditions.

I live with type 2 Bipolar Disorder, which primarily manifests as periods of profound depression. While this in itself presents considerable challenges, the past year has been especially arduous. The dissolution of my marriage and the subsequent impact on my relationship with my children left me with a sense of profound loss and a diminished will to continue, ultimately leading to my overdose.

Despite the odds, I survived ingesting a lethal combination of two different medications, an outcome that initially filled me with despair. It has required considerable time, coupled with significant assistance and unwavering support, to reconcile with what occurred and to recognise that this was not the solution.

While I acknowledge that complete resolution may remain a distant prospect, I firmly believe in the possibility of striving for improvement, a sentiment I know resonates with countless others facing similar or even more formidable experiences. Every contribution, regardless of its magnitude, will provide invaluable assistance not only to those living with mental health conditions but also to their friends and families, who often encounter immense difficulties and whose needs are sometimes overlooked.

Your generous donation will directly bolster essential services such as support groups and educational materials for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Each donation brings me closer to achieving my fundraising goal and, more importantly, helps to instil hope in the lives of those who need it most.

Thank you for considering supporting this important cause.

Together, we can make a difference. Every Mile Brings Hope