Thank you for all your replies.

DePress me i am not sure i would call myself very strong more than obstinate or adopting a 'I can't see a light at the end of the tunnel and i'm not even sure there is one but just in case....'
Simplistically put it's akin to realising your chances of winning the lottery are very very small but if you don't buy a ticket your chances are none existent or trying to keep the candle of hope flickering in the hope of a brighter dawn.