A North Cumbrian woman is attempting to run and swim 50 miles to raise awareness of mental health in young men.
Claire Carss, a university lecturer from Bassenthwaite, has taken on the challenge following the death of her 24-year-old nephew.
Described by friends and family as “bubbly” and “full of fun”, Tom Lackenby committed suicide in 2017 after suffering from depression. He left a five-year-old son, Leo.
“He’d been getting help, but nobody really understood how bad the situation was until it was too late,” said Claire, 42, a former mental health nurse who now teaches the subject at the University of Cumbria.
“Suicide is the biggest killer of young men, yet it’s a subject which is still taboo. And too often men won’t admit they’ve got mental health problems, preferring to suffer in silence.”
Earlier this month, on the fourth anniversary of Tom’s death, Claire set out to raise money for the mental health charity Mind by running and swimming in and around Bassenthwaite Lake.
“Tom loved to run, and when he was a young lad I taught him to swim – so I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to remember him,” Claire said.
“I’m doing it gradually, but I’ve had fantastic support and we’re getting really close to our target of £1,500.
“What’s more important is letting people know about mental health in young men, and the marvellous work that Mind do to help people in need.”
To donate, visit gofund.me/42603996
