Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On the 8th of July 2020 my brother Tom took his own life. He was 24 years old and had his whole life ahead of him. It is something that I never ever expected to hear and for those of you who knew Tom will know what a total shock it was. 

You could say Tom wasn't the kind of person to do something like that. In fact, to the outside world, Tom was the total opposite of someone you'd expect to even consider suicide, but tragically he did, leaving behind so many people that love and miss him so very much.

Suicide is the biggest killer of under 35s in the UK. 84 men a week end their life by suicide. 75% of all suicides are men... Guys we need to end this stigma behind mental health. Talking can save lives, but its also understanding that it's ok to not be ok. Everyone will experience some form of mental illness throughout their life and it's so important to know that help is there. Don't go through this alone, speaking out can literally be life changing. I will always wish that Tom could have spoken more openly about his struggles with depression, but like so many young men, he didn't want to burden anyone and we were unaware as to the extent of his battle with mental illness.

In July I will be climbing up Snowdon with some friends to raise money for Papyrus, a charity for the prevention of young suicide. I don't believe Tom had ever come across this charity as it is not as well known as a lot of other charities surrounding mental health, but its so incredibly important in supporting young adults who find themselves in a very dark place. Mental illness is not something to be ashamed of, and there is a way out of the darkness.

I would love to raise as much as I can for Papyrus and will be so grateful for any donations received in memory of Tom.

Love and miss you always.

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