Columns a tad longer than usual this week so you might want an extra-large cuppa? I’ve sat for over an hour trying to find the right words to start; but there are no right words.  Something happened that has changed my families life forever. I’m uncomfortable talking about it so publicly, but I’ve always been honest with you by sharing the good, the bad and uglies of daily life, I’d just never bargained on my brothers death being part of that honesty…….

My brother Michael had suffered with depression throughout his life, he’d had some rough episodes but always pulled out of them and for the majority of his time on earth he was a happy husband, dad, son, brother and uncle, loving &  caring with a warped sense of humour that rubbed off on me as we were growing up, and has also been passed onto his sons, so the fact that on the 6th May he took his own life has come as a massive shock to all of us.  

 To say I’m devastated would be an understatement; I’m totally and utterly broken and to see the rest of the family in so much emotional pain is at times unbearable. As often in these cases there was no note left behind and so in the realms of grief like a blue bottle overdosed on caffeine thoughts whizz around inside our heads, Why? What if?  If Only? But the truth is we can’t change time & no amount of self-persecution will bring him back.

Ironically when he was younger  he’d trained and volunteered at the Samaritans in Watford and spent many years with them helping others, which only throws up more tormenting questions as to why he couldn’t reach out himself when he was struggling? http://www.samaritans.org/   http://www.depressionalliance.org/

Instead of flowers the family have opened up a Just Giving page to raise money for the Samaritans as an apt and  fitting tribute in helping and supporting others struggling with depression in his memory: https://www.justgiving.com/Michaelhart2015/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=Michaelhart2015&utm_campaign=pfp-tweet

                   Watford Observer:

There is no ten point plan when it comes to grief; all that we know is that we have to get through it, somehow. What it does show up is how rubbish most people are at dealing with anothers loss, its surprising after the initial offer of condolence at how many people you thought friends avoid you like a leper because of their own awkwardness and inability to deal with death. But I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have propped us up, you know who you are? Life has changed for all of us in a profound way and I’m sure will change the rest of our journey and decisions made herein.

If you think Charity stuff is boring? Think again, it’s time to catch up with some of the news from Mays ME awareness month so far. The Chilli Challenge that I mentioned a few weeks ago has since gone global, there are some awesomely funny videos being posted and there’s still plenty of time for you to take part, nominate your friends and family and upload your own videos if you’ve got the bottle and can take the heat? Here’s one of the founders of the Chilli challenge Nicola Lavin getting the ball rolling & doing it herself at the start of this campaign , its still one of my faves and I dare you not to smile ? https://www.facebook.com/ChilliMEChallenge/videos/vb.1409431449352755/1439813512981215/?type=2&theater

 For info on how to take part go to : https://chillimechallenge.wordpress.com/

And to see more people taking the challenge go to the playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSx6yaUzRhPxb5vqnJaZEpPjj9fKpnVGa

There’s also share a bear, If you’re on any social media site all have to do is  post/share this pic of ME bear and keep him travelling around the world to help raise awareness, you can find out more at  https://www.facebook.com/ldifme or http://ldifme.org/

                 Watford Observer:     

There’s also been the ME sleepathon an event designed so even the most severely affected can take part, so why not get your friends together,find a comfy spot and sleep? If you fancy snoozing for a good cause check out http://ldifme.org/teams/the-big-sleep-for-me/

                  Watford Observer:

There was also Sophie Rebecca Tennants photo of herself with Footballer Robbie Fowler helping to raise ME awareness.

                        Watford Observer:

And there has also been an excellent bit of reporting over at  BBC look East with some very hopeful news coming from Prof. Simon Carding who is among the world-leading biomedical researchers, “To all those with ME  hold on”, he says and hold on we will.

Jo Best from  the “Lets Do It For ME” team says “Thanks to everyone supporting. You are making history as well as shaping the future of research & treatment. Invest in ME updated the total raised today to £143,000  ( now £144k) of the £200,000 target for this research. Their current page with full info, FAQs, and updates is at : http://www.investinme.org/LDR%20UK%20Gut%20Microbiota.htm

                Watford Observer:  

Last but not least if someone doesn’t sort the traffic lights out at the Dome Roundabout I swear there will be carnage. The jams and delays are utter madness and totally unnecessary , things were running wonderfully smooth with them switched off.               Watford Observer:

Further up St albans road, if anyone wants to cross they just press the button, the lights change quickly, pedestrians cross, the lights change again,  cars flow again and everyone’s happy, why hasn’t someone taken the simple initiative do that at the Dome? It’s not rocket science, we don’t need surveys, trials, meetings or a nod from Brussels we need some common sense NOW….is that possible?            

                                        Til Next Week, Stay Blessed 

                                            Back Before Elvis XXX

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http://www.investinme.org/