In 2013, about 78% of all suicides were committed by men. According to the ONS in 2014, males are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

Time and again, we hear the phrases "be a man" and "man up" but what does they truly mean? Time and again, we hear these phrases said to men in response to their suffering from depression and other mental health illnesses but one is compelled to ask the question:

What good is telling a man to "man up" when it isn't the same as extending a hand and lifting him up?

Too many stigmas regarding mental health illnesses and masculinity abound and considering the number of young men and men taking their own lives every single day, I for one believe something has to be done. Thankfully, there's the Campaign Against Living Miserably who do so much in not only providing assistance to those who need it but work tirelessly in challenging the societal status quo of what it means to be a man and the concept of masculinity itself. I believe being a man should mean to recognise that we are human beings, not monolithic beings. I believe being a man means to humane towards others and having worked with an organisation like CALM for a few years now, I genuinely believe their work is absolutely vital in saving countless lives. Having already ran a marathon earlier this year, I'm lacing my running shoes up once again and hitting the streets of London to run 10 kilometers on 12 July 2015, raising as much awareness and funds as I can. I have my own personal testimony. I am fortunate enough to have survived my battles with depression and I won't stop until CALM and I see that 78% become 0% where suicide rates are concerned. 

Please help me in raising funds to keep the hotline running. Please help me in raising funds to keep CALM going in their pursuit to dismantle the stigmas that many men with mental health illness face every day.

Please help me help CALM continue to do their utmost in saving lives and changing minds. Thank you.