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I am running my first marathon- the Liverpool R 'n' R on May 29th 2016. Originally, I wasn't going to do so for charity. However, I realised that this was an opportunity to make a difference, even if just a small one.

CALM raises awareness about suicide in men. They additionally run a national helpline for men struggling with depression or suicidal thought. Male suicide is a colossal issue in the UK. Whilst suicide has fallen in women, it remains the biggest cause of death among men under the age of 45 in the UK (only beaten by physical illnesses in those above 45). Men who want to seek help encounter so many obstacles- societal pressure to be strong and 'Man Up', a lack of awareness about the magnitude of the problem, and a lack of counselling or campaigns targeting men at all.

My uncle passed away in 2014. He didn't seem like the 'sort of person' who is at risk of depression- he was full of cheeky spark and vitality, immaculately dressed, the life of any party. The Liverpool Rock n' Roll Marathon seems strangely appropriate because he adored music. More importantly, Uncle Gordy was a fantastically warm and giving person. His funeral was packed to the rafters with the huge crowd of people who's lives he had touched. Legions of friends and family. He didn't say anything to anyone about how he was feeling. He tried to stay outwardly strong, 'like a man' after some big difficulties and changes in his life. We didn't know that he was suffering, and we didn't see it coming.

Stories like this are not uncommon. Stories like this are why we need campaigns like CALM's. To show men that there are people to talk to, that there is no shame in depression or suicidal thought, to support them to reach out to someone, to change the societal view that men don't talk about their feelings and that men don't cry. To quote a common CALM hashtag, to say: #ItsOkToNotFeelOk 

If a campaign like CALM's can keep one more father, uncle, brother, friend, or partner alive then it's a worthwhile thing. 

If you can spare any donation, I would be thrilled. Thank you.

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