What's the biggest killer of under 35's in the UK? 

Suicide.

This January, my brother and best friend decided to take his own life.

We often asked him if he wanted to talk about what he was going through, but he always said "no it's ok, thanks" or "I'll deal with it on my own". 

We all thought of him as being level headed, grounded.

No-one ever realised how bad he must have been suffering. 

No-one ever realised he had these feelings. 

No-one ever thought he was even contemplating suicide.

Sadly, he is, or was, far from alone.

In 2019, there were 5,691 suicides registered in England and Wales. That's 16 people every single day. 

There are so many thousands more struggling with their mental health, contemplating suicide or harming themselves; suffering alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling.

And these figures are pre-pandemic. They are expected to have increased due to the impact of the last 12 months.

We'd like to think many of these could, and should, be prevented.

I spoke to Matt the day before he took his life, and we discussed doing the Coast to Coast walk. I mentioned how we should find a charity to do it for and create a 'feelgood factor' around what we do. Matt agreed. 

Not for one moment did I think we'd be doing it without him, and in his memory.

But it now has more meaning than ever.

So this July and August (assuming Boris' timeline is on track!), those of us who loved Matt will attempt to walk nearly 200 miles from one side of England to the other. Following Wainwrights typical route from the sea cliffs of St. Bee's on the Lake District's West Coast, crossing the Yorkshire Dales and over the North York Moors, finishing in the fishing village of Robin Hoods Bay on the East Coast. 

The walk is in Matt's memory but we'd welcome anyone who wants to join us, whether from start to finish, or even just a day, to do so. We hope to get people together, creating a safe environment and encouraging people to talk about how they really are, whilst taking in some of England's most beautiful scenery. 

We are walking, inspired by Matthew, but we also do it in the support of anyone, anywhere who is struggling. We want to get as many people as possible to open up about how they are feeling, and get those they love talking too.

If you're able to sponsor our walk, your money will be so valuable. Our sponsorship will go to Papyrus, the Suicide Prevention Charity. They are dedicated to the prevention of young suicide, by supporting, equipping and influencing groups, communities and schools with suicide prevention strategies. 

If we can prevent ONE person like Matt from taking their own life, and prevent one lot of family and friends from having to go through what we have, and continue to go through, our walk will be more than worth it.

For those of you who can't join us, for those of you who are going through tough times, please reach out - to a friend, a family member, a stranger, or a professional.

It's OK to ask for help, it's OK to talk.

HOPELINE UK - 0800 068 4141

Samaritans - 116 123

Mind - 0300 123 3393

The Calm Zone - 0800 58 58 58

Remember, you can even call the emergency services on 999.