Good Causes

Just Giving

Every day people do incredible things. People push their bodies beyond their limits, they risk their lives in some situations, and some people bake cakes. All this is done on behalf of various charities, just to show that they care about the struggles that others are facing.

My initial thought was to support a cancer charity. So many people are affected by cancer in some way from developing a cancerous mole to losing someone special. There is a history of cancer in my family, particularly bowel cancer. Maybe it could be my contribution that provides the funds to the research that finds an effective solution? Maybe my contribution would provide that help to prevent myself from ever developing cancer or completely curing me?

Another reason for supporting a cancer charity is to show my support for a colleague who died of an aggressive cancer earlier in February. Martin Gavin was only 30.

If you'd like to make donations to cancer charities may I suggest Cancer Research UK.

But there's another cause close to my heart that I feel deserves my support.

One of the best friends
a boy could ask for

Depression Alliance is a UK based charity that educates and supports those who are affected by depression. After meeting more people as I've grown up it has surprised me just how many people have suffered with depression. One of my old house-mates who is the most fun and entertaining person you can imagine had suffered with depression. Another friend has a number of scars on their arms as a sign of their pain. A close relative and a very good friend have both attempted suicide fairly recently. I too, have suffered from depression and there are times when I feel as though I still do.

Ashley McIntosh was a typical South African and was always ready with banter and jokes. It was rare for him to not have a massive grin across his face. He entertained anyone who came into contact with him and could turn any occasion into one to be remembered. Ashley took his own life on 29th November 2010. The extent of his depression was hidden and unknown to so many.

I'd like to encourage anyone who follows my journey to make a donation. Your donation may help prevent the loss of a life like Ashley's. It may help prevent a friend from harming themselves. It may help someone to smile. Whatever your donation may do, it will make a difference to somebody.

Visit http://www.justgiving.com/stuthetraveller or follow the Just Giving links around the site to donate and help someone that you know.