"In April this year, just 4 weeks into the UK’s first coronavirus lockdown, our best mate Robbie took his own life. It still feels strange to write those words.
Rob met the four of us at university in 2004. It didn’t take long for us all to become firm friends, and we have been close ever since. We have always made time to see each other even with ever more demanding work commitments and, in more recent years, childcare commitments as a couple of us started families of our own.
Thankfully, in late 2019, in what seems like a totally different time, we all managed to book time off for a weekend together in Dublin. We did not know it then of course, but this would be the last time that we would all be together.
Anyone who has lost someone close to them will be familiar with the awful and irredeemable sense of loss that you go through, but there is something unique about suicide. You find yourself asking what you could have done differently to have changed things, and wishing more than anything that you could just turn back the clock. The thing is, we were in touch with Rob in the days before he took his own life. He simply did not let on that he was struggling as he must have been.
" Anyone who has lost someone close to them will be familiar with the awful and irredeemable sense of loss that you go through. "
This is something that we hope to play a small part in changing.
After he died, the four of us promised that we would do whatever we can to raise awareness of the terrible fact that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK, and hopefully prevent more young men from finding themselves in a similar position as our mate Rob.
What better way to start things off than with Movember 2020.
We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received, which is all of course dedicated to our one-of-a-kind, loyal and brilliant friend. We hope you are proud of us Robbie! #Take’em"
If you or someone you know is in crisis, or needs emotional support we urge you to head to https://movember.com/getsupport for support options. To speak with someone immediately, contact your local 24-hour support service.