David

Listen to David's story, as told by his Mum, Caroline

My son, David, died by suicide, 4 months after celebrating his 20th birthday. He did not get to celebrate his 21st birthday. David had an infectious laugh - when we went to see Ice Age as a child, he laughed so loudly at the character Scrat and his exploits trying to catch the acorn. In fact he laughed so loudly a gentleman sitting in front of us actually turned around and gave him such a dirty look, as if to say 'please don't laugh so loud!' David tried so hard to contain his laughter but couldn't help it and his laugh was infectious and we all laughed together.

I hope this campaign brings a name and a story to a statistic. Suicide is a very real and present danger. Why are we so comfortable with talk to our young people about the dangers of drugs, knife crime, driving but not about the dangers of their mind?

I hope that we can open the door for our young people and help them understand there is no shame in wanting to talk about wanting to die. There is help out there, and we need the confidence to guide and support our young people to understand that there is a way to manage any thoughts of helplessness so they can enjoy their future birthday celebrations surrounded by the people who love them so much.