MOVEMBER often sees men grow facial hair in a bid to raise awareness of men’s mental health, but a Rayleigh resident is going the extra mile to get the message across.

Darren Gaunt is taking on the challenge of walking 60km with 60kg weights on his back throughout the month of November.

After brother-in-law Matthew Golbey took his own life in September 2017. Mental health has become an even more vital topic of conversation in the family.

Darren has been taking on a fundraising challenge to raise money for a matter close to his heart.

He said: “I lost my brother-in-law to suicide three years ago and it’s so important to raise awareness of mental health.

Echo:

Gone but never forgotten - Matthew Golbey tragically took his own life in September 2017, aged just 25

“The alarming statistic is that 60 men take their lives every hour worldwide. I wanted to do something that represents that statistic, so I decided to walk 60km with 60kg weights on my back.

“People with mental health issues feel like there is a weight constantly dragging them down and they face it every day, so I wanted to cover some distance every single day with weights on my back as well.”

Movember is an annual event during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s suicide.

Matthew was just 25 when he died three years ago.

Darren, a 32-year-old construction project manager, feels it is vital to encourage those with mental health problems to speak up.

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He added: “Matthew had a two-year-old son and the festive period is always difficult because his birthday was just before Christmas.

“There is always something that reminds those left behind of him.

“I want to raise awareness and tell everyone struggling with mental health issues that they should talk about it.

“Matthew covered it all up and didn’t tell anyone that he was struggling.

“It’s so important that people know they can talk about it and there is always someone to talk to.”

Echo:

Raising awareness - Darren Gaunt has got involved in Movember, which shine a light on men’s mental health

Darren, of Daws Heath Road, is proud to raise awareness on the streets of Rayleigh.

He admitted: “My wife is incredibly proud of me.

“It’s her brother who we lost and the whole family is proud of what I am doing.

“It was a spur of the moment decision to do this but I’m glad I am.”

To donate, visit uk.movember.com/mospace/14362634.

Every week we will be unveiling our Charity Champions as we look to champion those who raise much-needed funds for charities across south Essex. To nominate yourself for your own fundraising work or to put others forward, simply complete our online form.