When I Gave Up On Life
I have struggled with self-harming, depression and suicidal thoughts since the breakdown of my first marriage. I was stopped from seeing my two young children, and the pressure of going to court to get access brought on my mental health problems to the stage where I had a breakdown.
My doctor wanted to section me but my new wife, Donna, stopped them and got me back on my feet.
My lowest point was a few years ago when I just gave up on life and took an overdose. Luckily, Donna found me on the lounge floor at 4am and called an ambulance – they said if she hadn’t have found me I would have been dead by the morning.
I woke up in hospital, and all around my bed were all my family and close friends. I never knew how many people cared about me. After I left hospital, Donna asked me:
“How would I have told our granddaughter that her granddad wasn’t here anymore?”
That hit me like a brick wall. How could I leave so many people that love me so much?
Running Literally Saved My Life
Running has changed my life in a way that I would of never have thought possible. It has supported me to get to a stage where I no longer take medication and the number of bad days, that used to be so frequent, have been reduced.
When I see the signs I simply put on my running gear and go for a run. It helps to clear my head out and I return to start again fresh.
I now run every week and most weekends you can find me at a running event.
From starting out doing 5k’s I have now completed 10k’s, marathons and many more. One of them was the London marathon! Boxed ticked!
My best friend
Running is now a part of my everyday life and I couldn’t do without it. If I can help just one person with depression and mental health issues get out of that black cloud and horrible illness by running, cycling, swimming or even just walking then I’m happy.”
