Family and friends of Ben overwhelmed by campaign
Helping young people contemplating suicide
THE family and friends of a Loughborough University student who took his own life during lockdown say they have been “completely overwhelmed” by a fundraising campaign to help other young people contemplating suicide.
Ben Brown was studying architectural engineering in Leicestershire, having also been a student at Wellbeck College Defence Sixth Form College in the county.
The 22-year-old, from Gloucestershire, died on Monday April 27.
More than £31,500 has been raised in his memory, with £25,000 being donated to the PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide charity.
Ben’s father, Chris, says he has been astonished by people’s kindness.
“It has been amazing,” he said. “People I hadn’t spoken to for 10 years put their hands in their pockets to donate money.”
In the wake of the tragedy, up to 1,000 runners, walkers and cyclists took part in a virtual 4,600-mile ‘Loughborough to Istanbul’ challenge.
An initial fundraising target of £4,600 was quickly passed, with the teams of young people deciding to just keep going.
Chris said: “Some did ridiculous mileages as part of the challenge and many others, who we’ve never met, have been generous with their sponsorship.”
“It’s not necessarily about the money - this is all about promoting better understanding of mental health care, preaching to others to open up and talk, to say when they are struggling. “That is Ben’s legacy.” Ben’s mother, Helen Hartery
Brown, has revealed he had been struggling with his mental health, and neurodiversity -a term used to describe behavioural and social challenges sometimes associated with autism, which were exacerbated by the coronavirus lockdown.
She also said he was popular, well-travelled and always put others first, adding that she doesn’t want another family to feel the pain his are now suffering.
“Suicide is so final and it may be the end for the person, but it’s just the beginning of a terrible journey for their loved ones and something that we have to live with every day for the rest of our lives,” said Helen.
“I think it’s so important we discuss suicide far more openly and learn to spot the signs in others as well as ourselves.”
Alex, Ben’s older brother, said: “Ben’s mental health was in a bad place and he chose not to seek help. We urge people to learn what the signs of poor mental health are in themselves and others.
He added: “Whilst awareness has grown for mental health and suicide prevention, we need to learn how to help ourselves and others and that starts with recognising what the problems look like.”
Ben was in his final year at Loughborough and was a member of Typhoon Squadron on the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme, whose planned summer exercise through Europe to Istanbul and back was cancelled because of Covid-19.
Officer Cadet Nick Radford says Ben’s fellow students were determined to remember him and raise money by staging a virtual challenge instead.
“Originally we thought it would be just our squadron, thirty or forty of us, with a target of raising £1 for every one of the 4,600 miles,” he said.
“We had no idea what was going to happen next. Suddenly teams of runners, walkers and cyclists were all getting involved, everybody wanted to do their bit and it just went crazy.
“I think that’s really down to Ben and the impact he had on people. He was extremely good with people, he’d be the first to say ‘how are you doing mate?’ - and yes, we really miss him.”
More than £31,500 has been raised so far, with £25,000 going to PAPYRUS.
Chris Brown said: “The money raised will help to enable more suicide prevention work, more awareness training, support work in local communities and also widen the charity’s valuable HOPELINEUK service.
“As a family, it does give us a lot of comfort and we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped us this far. The fundraising continues, as does our long journey.”
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice contact the HOPELINEUK service by calling 0800 068 4141, texting 07860 039967 or emailing pat@papyrus-uk.org