“To other people, it sometimes seems like nothing at all. You are walking around with your head on fire and no one can see the flames.” 
― Matt Haig, Reasons to Stay Alive

1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem this year and most people will know of somebody that has lost their life to mental health. This is something that has affected our friendship group more than most. 

Here we all are, in a situation we forever prayed would never happen but at times feared was inevitable. I think as a community we are all in agreement that we cannot and will not be quiet on this one, having watched at times with our own eyes at how little is done to support those who are truly struggling with their mental health. 

Suicide is the leading killer of men under 45, yet very little appears to being done to help this epidemic. The sad fact of the matter is, it is still not being talked about enough. We, as friends have only got through thisdeeply upsetting and surreal time by supporting each other every step of the way and most importantly talking about how we all feel. No one should feel ashamed to say ‘I’m not okay.’ 

It is widely publicised that the mental health services in the UK are seriously underfunded and anyone who has ever experienced this side of the NHS will tell you how extremely lacking they are. I think we are all asking ourselves why is this still the case?

After the events of the last year we all knew we wanted to do something that will not only bring us all together as a team but ultimately help raise awareness. Therefore,we will be running the Birmingham Half Marathon as a group to help spread the message that it’s okay to not be okay. For anyone who is struggling, anyone who feels that they aren’t being taken seriously, anyone who feels that giving up is the only choice. 

We are doing this not just for the money it will (hopefully) raise for a cause so close to our hearts and minds that needs a massive helping hand but to raise awareness for a prevalent issue that we as a society cannot keep ignoring! We are stronger together and it is time to speak up together. 

In loving memory of Jonathan Wheeler, David Browning and Adam Cunneen.

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