In 2023, there were 5,656 deaths registered as suicide in the UK. 74% of them were Males. My Dad was one of them. This year on April 20th it will be two years since I lost my best friend, my dad. My entire world.. to suicide. My Dad meant so much to me, he was the kindest person with the biggest heart that I have ever met. I'm aiming to do a charity event once a year, on this awful anniversary in hope that I can make a difference to the stigma that surrounds men's mental health. It's okay not to be okay, it does not make you weak. It makes you human. I believe a big part of the rise in depression is the lack of coping mechanisms we are taught and that a lot of men are scared of showing emotion as it's not 'manly'. I hope one day we can get rid of this stigma that haunts people's brains and destroys lives and family's.. 'MANUP' is an amazing charity that I've been looking into. It teaches a lot of coping mechanisms and actually provides advice and helplines specifically designed for men. We all have bad days, it's not about being positive and pretending we don't. It's about accepting it, understanding our emotions and being aware that they will pass. Something that really caught my eye was the #AskTwice. If you haven't heard of it, it means when you ask someone how they are doing and they just say they're okay or fine, ask again. How are they really doing? Talk to your brothers, your friends, your Farthers. Check in on them. You really never know what demons a person is facing inside their brain. A little chat and reassurance can go a long way. You could save a life. I miss my Dad every moment of every single day. I cannot even put into words the pain that I have to experience daily. My Dad was such a kind soul. He would put absolutely anyone before himself, he would always be there if you needed him. He was full of the craziest stories and had so much life left to live. But one moment changed everything. My Dad taught me to just try do my best out of any situation so, here I am. Trying to make a change in memory of him. Doing my best with what I have left to make a difference. Because we cannot keep letting suicide win. If you, or a loved one is struggling with mental health as a male and are finding it hard to cope, I highly highly recommend to get involved with this charity.

I will always love you Dad. I will miss you forever 🖤