TREKKING across three peaks will be a tough challenge for Tara Watson.

But it is not the hardest thing she has had to face.

When her brother Adam Smith was just 30 years old, last January, he took his own life.

It took a long time for Tara and the rest of her family to come to terms with, but she is now on a mission to raise awareness.

On Wednesday Tara, from New Town, will be walking the three peaks in the Yorkshire Dales with her auntie Hazel Smith.

The 25-mile walk includes a 1,600m incline and the duo aim to complete the challenge in 12 hours.

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Adam was a lover of watersports 

It will be a huge emotional and physical challenge.

Tara said: “When Adam, from Mersea, sadly took his own life it completely shook my family.

“It was and still is one of the hardest things we are dealing with.

“No words can describe how we feel. We all miss him so much.”

All money raised will go to the Mid and North East Essex Mind mental health charity in Colchester.

Tara has already smashed her fundraising target but wants to raise as much money and awareness as possible.

She said: “Adam had struggled with his mental health for most of his adult life.

“He had no children of his own but he was an amazing uncle to my daughter and son.

“I was six months pregnant with my third baby when Adam died, he didn’t get to meet his new nephew.

“Adam struggled to get the help he needed and that’s why I feel it’s so important to raise awareness and to talk about mental health.

“I think Mind is a great charity and I want to support them as much as I can.”

She has walked the Brecon Beacons in Wales but this is the first time she is walking a long distance in one day.

She said: “I’m feeling slightly nervous for the walk but the amount of support we have received has been amazing, I’ve really enjoyed raising the money and talking about the challenge we are doing.

“I am already planning on doing something else to raise money next Autumn.”

She said Adam was a lover of water sports and enjoyed water-skiing.

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/twinny039s-three-peak-mind-challenge.