My brother Jonathan died by suicide 30 years ago at the age of 26. I remember him being full of life and a people's person.  He loved spending time with his young siblings, nieces and nephews and he enjoyed his job caring for children with special needs.  He loved to entertain people and had worked as a Pontins blue coat but he was particularly passionate about his work as a children's' entertainer and was training to be a magician.                                                                   To me he was just my big brother and sadly I never knew the man that he became. 

Kirsty’s daughter and my great niece Lola died almost 2 years ago at the age of 12. Lola's life had barely begun, yet she brought so much love and laughter to her family. Like her great -uncle, she was also a 'people' person who was exceptionally caring toward her young cousins. She was a large part of her local dancing community, demonstrating an exceptional hard working attitude with a fearless and determined streak in whatever she decided to do. Lola was hugely talented with great potential and had a very bright future ahead of her

Jonathan had his whole future ahead of him whiles Lola's life had barely begun but both came to a very sudden and abrupt ending in the cruellest manner... a moment of anger perhaps or a carefully considered plan? We will never know. We are a family with two tragedies, almost 30 years apart raising the same questions that will never be answered.

Last year, Lola's mum Kirsty and I completed a challenge to
walk 100 miles throughout the month of May and we smashed it!! This year we will be accompanied by my brother-in- law Neil, as we are going bigger and better, aiming to push ourselves even further and even harder by walking for a total of 24 hours! This will be a continuous walk with only short breaks throughout the day and night.

We are doing this because we want to continue to raise vital
funds for PAPYRUS and to raise awareness of the issues around suicide and suicide prevention.

Kirsty and I want people to know that 30 years after Jonathan’s death, suicide remains the biggest killer of all people under the
age of 35.

We want people to know that 200 children of a similar age to Lola die by suicide every year.

We want to get people talking about suicide.

We want to reduce the stigma that is still very much present
and we want people to feel safe in reaching out for support.

We want to encourage people to ask questions of their
friends, family and colleagues. It is ok to ask.

So please support us on our challenge. Every pound that is
donated will help to save a life. But conversations can save lives too and as we gradually break down the taboo, we will empower and educate families and communities so that our young people are supported when they need it the most.

PAPYRUS is the national Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, in 2018 over 1800 young people took their own lives. PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK. Every £5 raised can help pay for a life-saving contact to HOPELINEUK. Your donations really are lifesaving, thank you.