Story
Johnny Green was a friend to many and a much-loved partner to Angela, brother to Marcus and son to Paddy and Pippa.
He tragically took his own life in August 2019, having struggled for many years with growing mental health challenges that he had largely kept to himself.
Johnny was good company and a popular person. For many, the news of his passing and the revelation of his mental health challenges came as a great shock and left them grappling with a range of emotions.
Sadly, Johnny’s story is not uncommon. Suicide is a significant national social issue in the UK, as well as other countries. In 2017, there was an average of 16 suicides per day and it is a leading cause of death in men under 50, who are 3 times more likely to take their own lives than women. Furthermore, it is also estimated that, for every person that does take their own life, there are 30 others who have tried. The reasons are many and complex, but there is no doubting that it is an issue that impacts many families and workplaces, more than many of us realise.
A collection of Johnny’s friends and family have decided to do something positive in his memory and have chosen the challenge of walking Hadrian’s Wall over four days and three nights. (The Ramblers’ website recommends doing it over 6 to 7 days if you are fit, we are not fit.) In doing so, we are hoping to raise funds and awareness for mental health. All donations (we are paying for our own travel and accommodation) will go directly to 'Jonathan's Voice’. This is a charity that has been carefully selected by Johnny’s family and was set up in memory of another Jonathan (McCartney) who also tragically took his own life several years ago.
Jonathan’s Voice was established in 2017 with the aims of:
- empowering individuals to speak up about mental health
- reducing the stigma of mental ill health
- working with organisations to implement policies and practices to support mental health and well-being
All donations gratefully received and special thanks to everyone taking on this challenge.
The team:
Angela, Ben & Ness, Crispin, Dan, Jim, Jules, Marcus, Miles, Nick, Rachel, Richard & Susie, Sharks (Bryan), Tim and Tom - good luck everyone!