Friends of Jack in trek challenge in his memory

FRIENDS left devastated at the death of a 23-year-old who was always confident and “fun to be around” are preparing to take on the Three Peaks Challenge in his honour.

Jack “Gally” Gallagher took his own life at his home in Woodville, near Ashby.

His death happened in October last year but his friends have decided to speak out about what happened as 14 of them get ready for the challenge. They also want to encourage men to open up about their feelings more.

His best friend, Mitchell Smith, had known Jack since they were three. They ended up in different years at school but Jack would always be good friends with others in his year and in Mitchell’s year, too.

Mitchell said: “Jack would spread himself out and he got along with everyone. He was a man who could have a conversation with everyone and he’d have a good time.

“He was a confident person - genuine as well. If he ever wanted to say anything, he would.

“He was fun to be around - you definitely knew he was there. Everyone always got on with him and he had quite a big group of friends.”

Jack was part of many clubs around North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire, playing football for Woodville Rangers, Moira FC and Gresley Rovers.

He also boxed with the South Derbyshire Boxing Club, played cricket for Hartshorne Cricket Club, could use an air rifle and did motocross, which he learned in his spare time.

Mitchell, 23, also of Woodville, said: “He was very sporty and everything he did was to a high level. He could turn his hand to anything.

“He’d do all sorts like that. If he wasn’t doing that, he was hanging around with friends, playing football like young lads do.”

Another friend, Shane Edwards, 23, of Castle Gresley, said: “He was the one who was always trying to get you out and cheer you up. He was always the happy one, but sometimes it’s the happy people that you need to watch out for.”

Shane spoke of the shock of finding out what had happened and how all of Jack’s friends came together to support each other. Shane and Mitchell are now encouraging men to talk about how they feel and to let someone know if they are struggling.

They will take on The Three Peaks Challenge for Mind and Movember, which both aim to raise awareness of men’s mental health and offer support to those struggling, this summer.

The challenge involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon - Scotland, England and Wales’ highest mountains - in just 24 hours.

BID TO GET MEN TALKING MORE IF STRUGGLING AFTER DEATH OF 23-YEAR-OLD