FAMILY and friends of a much-loved uncle who took his own life during lockdown have completed a marathon walk in his memory.
Adrian White, who lived in Mistley, had struggled with depression for most of his life. He died on November 26, aged just 40.
His mother had also taken her own life some years before.
In his memory, his sister Julia White organised a fundraising walk from her home in Greenstead, Colchester, to his flat.
She was joined along the route by friends and family and has so far raised more than £1,300 for the Men’s Health Forum.
Julia, 39, said: “I wanted to fundraise so someone else doesn’t need to go through what I have been through.
“Adrian struggled with his mental health and I was in touch with the mental health crisis team before he died. But there is so many people who need help.
“He was always round at my house and he was more than a brother. He was a father figure to my children.
“He didn’t have his own children as he struggled with relationships due to his depression, so he was incredibly close to my son, Donnie, and daughter, Katelyn.”
Adrian was a fitness enthusiast and was a popular member of Live Fit Gym in Manningtree.
When lockdown restrictions meant all gyms were forced to close, his sister said it had a huge impact on his mental health.
“When the gym closed he really struggled as that was his outlet,” Julia said.
“We lost our mum to suicide when we were young which made us extremely close.
“He was my brother but he was also my best friend.”
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The group wore specially made T-shirts as they took on the 8.8-mile walk.
Julia said: “I know Adrian would have been so proud and happy all money raised is going towards this charity.
“Mental health is something which is affecting our society in such a huge way, especially because of lockdown, and many families are suffering.
“I started off with a target of £500 so I was really amazed with the amount we have raised.”
Donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Julia-White18.
- Anyone who feels they need support can contact the Samaritans via www.samaritans.org/branches/colchester or 116 123 free from any phone.
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