Kentish Express Ashford & District
Squash players raise funds with tournament in memory of friend
A charity squash tournament is being held in memory of a 23-year-old man who took his own life.
Alex Quealy, known as Ali to friends, was found hanged at his flat in Scott Avenue, Wincheap, by his 18-year-old brother Finn on April 1.
His death came as a shock to everyone who knew him. The estate agent, who worked in Ashford, was said to have been in good spirits the night before he was found.
Close friends want to keep his memory alive and are hoping to raise at least £2,000 from the tournament for the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm), which is being held at Rodmersham Squash Club on Saturday, November 11.
Around 70 players from across the South East are expected to take part, from county standard to local club players and juniors.
A social event will be held afterwards to raise extra funds for Calm. Squash player Sam Henley, who came up with the idea with his brother Ed, said: “He was one of my best friends and we want to keep his memory alive.
“He grew up playing squash up here right through the juniors up to the men’s team and squash at Rodmersham was a big part of his life.
“His family have been really supportive and have helped in the organisation of the tournament and donated generously to Calm.
“His brothers Finn and Conor and his uncle Emmet are all playing in it.
“We also want to raise awareness about suicide, which is the biggest killer of men in the UK aged under 45.”
Details of how to enter the tournament will be announced soon.
An inquest earlier heard Alex had been on a night out with Finn and friends in Canterbury a couple of hours before his death.
No suicide note was found at the scene and he did not have a history of mental health issues.
Following the tragedy, his aunt, Naomi Annetts, set up a Just Giving page which raised more than £11,000 for Calm.
Hundreds of pounds has already been raised for the fundraising drive connected to next month’s tournament, which is being sponsored by AH Services, Battrum & Son, Medichem, Quealy and St Michaels Garage.
Donations to the cause are being accepted via Naomi’s Just Giving page (https:// tinyurl.com/y7hesaw3).
If you would like confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans free on 116 123