Story
Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page!
On April 23rd I will be taking part in the London Marathon 2023. I am raising funds for Mind Charity to aid them in their essential work supporting those struggling with their mental health.
Three years ago, my wonderful friend, Casper, took his own life. He had long battled with his mental health, but at a time when things appeared to be going so well for him – living with his beautiful, loving partner, and with a son on the way – his death was a profound, earth shattering shock to me and many others. That someone so warmly charismatic, intelligent, unconditionally caring, and who was loved so deeply by so many, could ever find themselves feeling that alone and in that much despair, is an indescribable tragedy.
Since I was a teenager, I have also experienced periodic spells of depression. Casper and I found catharsis in solidarity and a shared sense of humour that often helped to make light of these difficult times. However, when my struggles with mental health and addiction eventually threatened to overwhelm me entirely, Casper was the friend who took me to my first meeting in a 12-step recovery programme. He saved my life that day, and it will forever break my heart that I wasn’t able to do the same for him.
Casper’s actions gave me a window of opportunity to begin to learn more about myself, and mental health more generally, and one thing that is clear is that we shouldn’t go through these things alone. I have been attending therapy now for several years, I exercise regularly (often running with friends), and I continue to connect and grow in recovery.
Mine and Casper’s experiences are not unique, and most of us will have been touched in some way by the destructive power of poor mental health – whether personally or through a friend or family member. Suicide is still one of the leading causes of death in young people, with men being twice as likely to die in this way. If you find yourself struggling under the ‘black cloud’ of depression, please reach out to someone – a friend, family member, or a supportive organisation like Mind or The Samaritans. There are people who would give anything to help ease your pain.
Thanks for reading and please donate what you can and share this page far and wide so we can help Mind Charity as much as possible!
Gabriel x