Support for mental health and well-being

In 2009 I suffered a brain spasm, suspected bleed on the brain. The cause was stress related. Also some of my very close family members have passed away or suffered with severe mental health issues. Since 2012 I have run marathons, bike rides and competed in ironman events to raise money to help support mental health and well-being. My latest challenge is Ironman 70.30 Cascais, in Portugal tomorrow. The conditions that I have to endure in order to compete in these extreme challenges is really nothing, compared to what sufferers, carers and their loved ones have to go through every single day.

My foundation supports several mental health charities, including: The Mase Group, MIND, Heads Together, The Mental Health Foundation, Cheshire Connect and Help for Heroes.

I just want to say a massive thank you to friends, family and work colleagues who have already donated. Your contribution is helping so many people who for many reasons don't have their own voice and often feel helpless.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/grahamshapirofoundation

In life there is such a fine dividing line between success and failure or being ok and not being ok. Our brain is like the hard drive on a computer but when something goes wrong, it is not always possible to just reinstall the software.

It is so vitally important to keep raising awareness and to encourage each of us to be open and honest about mental health. This can happen to any of us!