On Thursday 20^th July 2017 it was like most work nights I was on my computer listening to music and catching up on the latest news from the day. Then via social media I see the name of “Chester Bennington” trending. As an avid fan of the US rock band Linkin Park and having seen the band for the first time live in Amsterdam only a month earlier I was interested to see what people were talking about. I was then greeted by the shocking news of Chester’s passing at the age of 41 due to suicide. This sudden and unexpected death was heartbreaking, one of my musical idols who had seemingly overcome his past mental health issues had made the decision to end his life.

This following other high profile stories last year such as Chris Cornell’s suicide in May 2017, TV presenter Stephen Fry & Hayley Williams of Paramore highlighting their battles with mental health over recent
years put mental health to the forefront of my mind. Whilst suicide & self harm aren’t mental health problems themselves they’re related to mental health conditions such as depression & anxiety. It is estimated worldwide that depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide and 1 in 6 people globally in the past week experienced a mental health problem.

Having not suffered from mental health issues personally but
having close friends who have suffered from depression and anxiety previously and seeing these statistics deeply shocked me. According to recent government stats suicide is the most common cause of death for men aged 20-49 in the UK this can’t be allowed to continue.

For that reason, I want to raise awareness of the mental health issues currently impacting many people around the world and raise money for a charity in the UK which does great work providing advice and support for people in need. On the 8^th April 2018 I will be running the Sheffield Half Marathon for MIND, I would be extremely grateful if you could donate to this cause it is something I am extremely passionate about and together we can help those who need our help.

Thank You for your support. 

Jordan x

#MakeChesterProud