Running 900 miles to every Premier League stadium in England. That’s the goal of a North East charity boss who is on a mission to raise funds for the region’s mental health services.
Matthew Smith, from County Durham, will set off on his most ambitious challenge to date in August, with the aim to raise £135,000 and spread awareness of suicide prevention across the country. On his journey he will be delivering the message that ‘it’s okay not to be okay’ and that there is ‘always a way’.
The 29-year-old, who set up the If U Care Share charity, announced the plans for his latest challenge during an event at Close House in Northumberland on Thursday, which was attended by Dave and Donna Armstrong, from Blyth, who lost their son Aaron to suicide in 2018, aged 25. The couple shared their personal story of how they have managed since the loss of Aaron.
Donna, said: “I think with suicide it’s not like an ordinary death. It’s much more of a shock. I don’t know where we would have ended up without the help from If U Care Share. The support they’ve offered us has been invaluable so we’re pleased to help raise funds, support and awareness for the charity.”.
If U Care Share supports people across the North East of England and offers services directly supporting suicide prevention, intervention and helping those impacted by suicide. It was established in 2005 by the family of Daniel O’Hare from Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, who took his own life unexpectedly at the age of 19.
Daniel had no previous history of mental health problems and hadn’t shown any outward signs of his intention. He was a young man, who was extremely popular and well known in his local community and had a large amount of friends and a family who loved him dearly. He enjoyed football, spending time with friends and socialising.
He also had a job managing a family online retail business and to this day his family remain devastated by their loss and are still no nearer to understanding Daniel’s choice.
His younger brothers Matthew and Ben, along with cousin Sarah (then aged 10, five and 12) set up the foundation because they wanted to do something positive and prevent another family suffering a similar experience, as well as creating a lasting memory to Daniel. They started selling wristbands at football clubs featuring the message “if u care share” and raised over £50,000 for mental health charities.
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd nort)
In 2011, If U Care Share Foundation became a registered charity with three main aims: Prevention, intervention and support of those bereaved by suicide. Since then the charity has provided support to those who have lost loved ones to suicide, as well as help and advice to those who are at risk of taking their own life.
Matthew’s latest challenge, born out of the charity’s love for football and long-term partnerships with the Premier League, the League Football Education, and the Women’s Super League, will play a pivotal role in raising funds for the charity’s campaign for 2024, Mission 135.
Last year the World Health Organisation announced figures from the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) which show that on average 135 people, including family, friends and work colleagues, are impacted when one person dies by suicide. The IASP figures show that for each suicide, approximately 135 people suffer intense grief or are otherwise affected, resulting in 108 million people annually across the globe, who are profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviours.
A number of local businesses showed up to Thursday’s event to show their support and have pledged thousands of pounds in support of the charity’s vital work in the region which, in 2023, suffered its highest suicide rates since 1981.
Among them was train operator Lumo. Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “Our customers and communities are at the heart of what we do at Lumo. As a North East business, we are proud to partner with If U Care Share as they do invaluable work preventing and supporting those affected by suicide.
“All our onboard Customer Experience Ambassadors train with Samaritans when joining the company with many also training as wellbeing champions, including mental health first aid, to further support colleagues and customers in need of extra support.
“As the North East has the highest rates of suicide of anywhere in the country, we are doing all we can to play our part to help drive down this staggering statistic and hope supporting Matthew’s challenge will be another step in helping save lives.”
Professional golfer Lee Westwood OBE spoke to delegates at the event by video. He said: “If U Care Share’s tireless work to save lives, support communities, and prevent suicide, is second to none.
“But times are tough. Crucial suicide prevention funding has come to an end, meaning charities like If U Care Share are relying on the support of local communities and figures to continue their life-saving work. Without their vital support this amazing charity will be unable to effectively support the most vulnerable region in the country – the North East.”
The upcoming fundraiser is Matthew’s most ambitious challenge to date, just two years on from his 250-mile run from the charity’s headquarters in Chester-le-Street to Downing Street to hand in a letter calling on the UK Government to include suicide prevention in the Levelling Up White Paper.
He said: “I’m absolutely blown away by the generosity and support shown by North East businesses. It’s a bit of a cliché to say that the people of the North East are the friendliest and most caring people in the country, but support for my latest challenge really demonstrates our sense of community and togetherness.
“It’s no secret that suicide prevention and mental health services have struggled recently due to significant funding restrictions, so I can’t thank everyone enough for believing in the charity, our mission, and myself. The money raised at the launch event will not only enable the challenge to go ahead, it will also save lives, support communities, and prevent suicide in a region that needs our help more than ever.”
How to access support if you need it
If this piece has affected you and you want to talk to someone, there are helplines and support groups available, many of them 24/7.
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- If U Care Share is a North East suicide awareness and prevention charity which offers a free and confidential text-support service available by texting IUCS to 85258.
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James’ Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family member.
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