A RESTAURANT manager who battled with depression has thanked a Cheshire-based charity for saving her life.

Jeni Jones, from Holmes Chapel, can remember showing symptoms of the illness from as young as four, and says that if it wasn’t for the charity Visyon, based in Congleton, she might not be alive.

The 21-year-old received help from Visyon for two years and has since showed her gratitude by raising £2,000 and running two marathons and four half marathons in its name.

“Visyon saved by life,” she said.

“I used to have no life, it was stunted by depression. I felt worthless and couldn’t leave the house. I just wanted to stay in bed all day.

“I don’t think depression is something you can ever be fully cured of, but it can be controlled.

“Visyon taught me how to deal with it and helped me change the way I think about things by being positive and believing in myself.”

When Jeni first decided to seek help for depression, she was referred to a counsellor through her GP, but received a letter saying she would have to wait up to six months before receiving help.

That’s when her mum, who is a school nurse, asked around and was told about Visyon, which could help children, young people and adults.

Jeni added: “I don’t know what would have happened if I had waited that long. I’m so grateful that Visyon exists.”

Visyon has helped Jeni find confidence in herself which, in turn, helped her secure a job as a manager in a restaurant.

“I used to work in a cafe and would never have dreamed of going for a job as a manager,” she added.

“They’ve given me my life back. I’m so much more outgoing and I’m not scared of anyone any more.

“We need more charities like Visyon, which can help others.”