A campaigning North East dad is staging a new fundraising run in aid of a suicide prevention charity after his son took his own life.
John Brant has responded to his own family charity by linking up with the ‘Three Dads Walking’ – Andy Airey, Mike Palmer, and Tim Owen – who have raised more than £1m for PAPYRUS UK since losing their daughters to suicide.
And John’s latest fundraising effort in aid of PAPYRUS is a charity race, supported by Darlington Harriers and the Up and Running shop, in the town’s South Park on Wednesday, August 20 at 6pm.
John’s son, Darren, a much-loved father-of-two, was 44 when he died. He had worked for EE for 25 years and became a project manager.
“Darren lived a quiet life, and his work and his children were everything to him,” said John.
“We knew something was troubling him but not to that extent. Whatever it was that bothered him, we don’t know because he never talked about how he was feeling, as is the case with a lot of people – especially men.
“I’ve learned a lot since my son’s death and, by talking to the Three Dads Walking, I have a better understanding of just how bad the suicide rate is among young people.
“PAPYRUS had over 12,000 calls last year from young people in trouble, and the charity does a brilliant job in providing support when it’s most needed.
“Mental wellbeing has a long way to go, and I hope this forthcoming run will help raise awareness among young people that help is out there and they seek support when they need it. If it saves one young life, then it’s all worthwhile.”
John has already supported PAPYRUS UK with a Darlington Parkrun in January this year, raising £450 through bucket collections on the day. Donations on his JustGiving page, plus a golf charity day, added £1,269.
The new event is to be called The Darren Brant 5-mile Memorial Race and will be limited to 150 people. The entry fee is £16 with all finishers being presented with a medal.
Event entry is through the Darlington Harriers website at www.evententry.co.uk/the-darren-brant-5mile-memorial-race-in-aid-of-papyrus. For further information, contact John on 07751 181934.
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