A WOMAN inspired by her own mental health struggles will walk 15 miles to support those who suffer from dementia.

Natasha Gordon, 18, who has lived in Abingdon since she was a child, is raising funds for the residents of Stirlings, a care home in Garston Lane, Wantage.

She worked there for a year as an apprentice care assistant with the Orders of St John Care Trust and later returned as a volunteer.

Seeing how residents with dementia lived made her more aware of the needs of those whose mental health has declined. She grew attached to them and set up the walk as a challenge for herself.

She said: “It breaks my heart sometimes to see them watching television without the right support they need. They lose the ability to do things they used to love doing.

“I don’t think people realise what it’s like. They think people in a care home are elderly and frail, but you realise how much fun they are to be around. I just love seeing them stimulated that way.”

Having suffered from depression, Miss Gordon wants to change the way people think about mental illness.

“I know what it’s like. Whether it’s dementia or other health problems, people look at you and just see that. They lose sight of who you are.

“It was really hard for me to do anything. I just lost sight of everything I was capable of doing.”

Miss Gordon starts her 15-mile journey from Stirlings on November 14 and will walk around Wantage, through Grove and East Challow.

Her friend Charli Viner, who used to work as a care leader at Stirlings, will accompany her.

Mervyn Dyer, landlord of the Bell in Grove’s Main Street, has offered the pub as a rest stop and will serve hot drinks as needed.

He said: “Mental health still has a stigma to it and people don’t like to be associated with it, even if it’s raising money.

“They almost don’t like to be seen around it. That’s why I think this is important. It’s admirable, especially for someone her age, to do something.”

Miss Gordon hopes the money she raises will fund activities for residents.

She said: “One is their Christmas party – to see them having a good time. It’s a big time for people to be with families. To be able to help them enjoy Christmas is a big deal as well.”

Miss Gordon has raised £95 so far and hopes for £800.

To donate visit justgiving.com/NatashaWalkForStirlings