Kirsty Ramsay

Why I chose to do this...

I am very open about my own experiences with mental health and the ripple effects it can have — not only on me, but on the people I love and those around me. I am incredibly fortunate to have the most amazing friends and family, and especially my sister. Their support has made a huge difference in my life, and I honestly don’t know what my story would look like without them.

But I also know that not everyone has that support network.

For people who rely solely on mental health services, there simply isn’t enough support available. Complex mental health needs can be difficult to address within primary care, while accessing secondary services can involve incredibly long waiting times. Rehabilitation services can also have limitations, particularly when mental health and issues with alcohol or substance use overlap.

The reality is that nobody chooses to struggle every day. Nobody wakes up wanting to become dependent on alcohol or substances. Sometimes, when someone is struggling with their mental health and doesn’t have the right support around them, one difficulty can quickly lead to another.

I can see how stretched the NHS is, and I know that there is only so much that can be achieved with limited resources trying to support such complex and varied needs. But that doesn’t mean we have to simply accept that things can’t be better.

I’m hoping that having this event as a goal will give me something positive to focus on, something to work towards, and a way to turn some of my own experiences into something meaningful.

I am incredibly lucky to have people around me who make a difference when I need them most. I want to help raise money to improve mental health services and provide better support for the people who don’t have that same safety net.

Mental health can affect anyone. Sometimes, the person who needs help is the person you least expect.

If this fundraiser can help even one person access the support they need, then it will be worth it.

Genuine smile