My story surrounds my own battle with mental health, and that of a colleague of mine. Sadly there’s still a huge stigma around mens mental health. Most boys/men feel they can’t be sad, can’t struggle and can’t ask for help. In the society we are in we are supposed to have our ‘shit’ together and be strong always. When in reality this isn’t always possible.

In 2021 we at David Watson Transport were shocked and saddened of the news that a fellow colleague, Steve Tongue had taken his own life. All the money raised for CALM will be donated in his memory by his wife, Yanne. Steve was always a happy smiley guy who would be the first to come and say hello and help you. He is greatly missed by all of his family, friends and colleagues. 

Last year I made 3 planned attempts on my own life. Still to this day not all my friends or family know this. It came shortly after putting our house on the market, although there was always a niggle before this seemed to be a big trigger. I don’t know why but I felt like a failure, and that it would be better for me to not be here. I planned to take my own life and it be an ‘accident’ so that my friends and family wouldn’t think they could’ve done more or spotted any signs. I don’t know what it was that stopped me each time but eventually after the 3rd time I picked the phone up to my doctor and broke down in pieces. He asked me to come straight in and we talked, he referred me urgently to the Adult Mental Health team and they got me the help I needed and supported me. Along with massive support by very close friends who I could pick the phone up to and just talk, as this was the best help over any medication available in my opinion. I would find myself randomly crying throughout the day for no reason, sitting on your own each night with just your thoughts became dangerous and I knew something needed to change. 

Sadly though for some they lose their battle and end up taking their own life before reaching out for help. And I want to help those fighting. Each mile of this ride will be me fighting a demon and giving strength to someone out there struggling. And your donation will help that. 

Thank you to Fassi and David Watson Transport who have agreed to sponsor the ride in order to help cover all the costs. 

I will be posting regular updates on my training and how we are doing too. Any donation will be an amazing help, and if you can’t donate right now could you please give my page a share as that is equally as much a help. 

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK.Anyone can hit crisis point. CALM run a free and confidential helpline and webchat 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about lifes problems. 

125 lives are lost every week to suicide and 75% of all UK suicides are male. This needs to change, thankfully more and more people are helping battle the stigma around mens mental health but we still need to do more.