On 15th August 2017, I lost my best friend Kevin Rowley to suicide. Most people will remember Kevin with a smile on his face with the best sense of humour, but Kevin was also suffering from personality disorder and there was another side to him who was struggling to cope with the anxiety, depression and loneliness and it all got too much for him.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men aged 35-54 years in the UK. The number of deaths to suicide in Greater Manchester alone is significant and in 2014, 277 people took their own life, and this number increasing every year. It is a growing issue that needs to be quickly understood.

His family are finding it difficult enough to deal with the sudden loss as well as sorting all his affairs. Due to the unexpected nature of Kevin’s death his family are not in a position to cover the expensive funeral costs, so I have offered to step in and take responsibility to make sure our dear Kevin gets the best dignified send off he deserves and would like to ask for a little support. The cost of the service is in excess of £2500+ and I am happy to pick up majority of the cost and some of Kevin's friends have already been kind enough to donate towards the cost.

I know how hard it is for everyone at the moment, but no matter how small all donations could make a huge difference in covering the cost of the basics for the funeral. Anything else that is left over will go to The Sanctuary Manchester and will help fund suicide prevention and provide support to people who are experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression and suicidal thoughts when they are in crisis.

I would like to thank everyone in advance for their support and would like to leave you with one last thought, no matter what you are going through, how dark it may seem and how hopeless or lost you feel please don’t suffer alone, don’t be afraid to use the people around you.