Friends’ trip raising mental health awareness
THREE university students are cycling the length of Britain in memory of a friend who took his own life.
Marcus Colville was a popular medical student at Newcastle University with a passion for rugby and music. He played for Newcastle Medicals Rugby Club in Heaton.
However the 20-year-old, who came to study in the North East from Exeter, was found dead by flatmates in Jesmond in December
Now three of his university friends, who all play for the same rugby club, have taken on the challenge of cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise awareness of mental health in young men.
Under the banner “It’s OK not to be OK”, Alex Hayton, Giles Themans and Fenn Newsome are raising money and want to help prevent similar tragedies.
Fenn, 20, a maths student, said Marcus’ friends were devastated after his death.
He added: “His sudden death was a huge shock to us all at the club and for everyone that knew
Left to right, Newcastle University students Alex Hayton, Giles Themans and Fenn Newsome him. Hearing the news that he had been suffering from depression was a surprise to all his friends and family.
“In light of this, Marcus’ family have set up a fund in his name – Marcus in Mind – to raise awareness and prevent this sort of tragedy happening to more young men.”
Giles, a marine and offshore engineering student, said: “The three of us felt compelled to do something to help raise awareness of depression and mental health and, after learning at his funeral that Marcus had completed this very cycle ride twice, we knew it would be an appro- priate challenge.
“We are using the hashtag #ItsOkNotToBeOk and we’re hoping to remove some of the stigma and get blokes like us opening up about mental health.”
The pals set off on their 874mile ride on Tuesday. They also hope to get cyclists and rugby players to join them for small stretches along the route.
“Our aim is to spread our message far and wide and hope others may cycle with us. We are eager for this to unite clubs as a safe environment for young men to discuss mental health at rugby with their teammates,” said Alex. .