Archie took his own life in August 2024 following a significant battle and decline in his mental health and wellbeing. He was diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD as a child and increasingly struggled to manage anxiety and subsequently, depression.

Archie was well-known to local services in Gloucestershire from an early age. However, he did not receive the support he needed to help him overcome the challenges he faced.

Research undertaken by the charity, Autistica, found that people with autism are 7 times more likely than non-autistic people to attempt suicide. Some research also suggests that co-occurring ADHD can increase the risk of suicidality in autistic people. Despite this, two weeks before he died, Archie was discharged from hospital after overdosing as 'low risk of suicide'.

Autistica are the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity. Their mission is to create breakthroughs that enable all autistic people to live happier, healthier, longer lives by funding research, shaping policy and working with autistic people to make more of a difference.

They are currently campaigning for the next NHS Suicide Prevention Strategy to automatically recognise individuals with autism demonstrating suicidal ideation as a high risk group. Had Archie's risk been properly recognised, he may well have been with us today.

Archie found it difficult to accept and talk about his mental health difficulties. In the months leading up to his suicide, we tried to find local support groups for young men with MH difficulties but found there to be no suitable provision. There was nowhere for him to seek reassurance that as a young man, he was not alone. This is something we want to see change in Gloucestershire. We want to break the stigma of 'boys don't get sad' and for there to be safe spaces locally to which young men can be signposted and supported.

All funds raised through this page will be split between Autistica; to change public perceptions of autism and support their mission to improve outcomes for people who are neurodivergent, and a charitable fund to be established in memory of Archie; to provide new forms of support for young men in Gloucestershire who are struggling with their mental health.