Liskeard man who lost friend to suicide issues plea for men's mental health
A tribute is being paid to Jake Ovenden from Pensilva, who took his life in December 2020
A man from Liskeard who walked 80 miles in tribute of his friend and 'brother' who took his life one year ago is urging men struggling with their mental health to not suffer in silence.
Chris Piper set up the coast-to-coast challenge in honour of his best friend Jake Ovenden, who lost his long-standing battle with mental health on Boxing Day 2020.
One year on, he wants to pay tribute by helping other men who are struggling to reach out for help.
Chris told us: "There's just so many young men who don't seem to have anywhere to turn or it's there but they just don't know it's there or they seem like they're too embarrassed to talk or there's too much stigma about it".
The 80 miles walked from Loe to Tintagel and back in the space of two days raised £1,245 for the Lighthouse men's group in Liskeard and has received support from people who knew Jake and other's who've lost a close person to suicide.
Chris continued: "The walk is in memory of my friend Jake, the funds we've raised will benefit the Lighthouse greatly. But we also want to raise the awareness that there is the help out there for people".
The charity was set up after the death of Jake and its main focus is supporting men who need a break by helping them through challenging situations and providing activities aimed at combating negative mental health.
Chris said: "They do great activities and give people the chance to have a break from the grind. You get good memories from it, you're included in something. You're not just one person who's got your own problems. All the blokes there, they're in the same boat... It's things like that we need more of".
The challenge comes during the winter months where mental health problems reach a high in Cornwall.
Today (17th January), the third working Monday of January, is believed to be the most depressing day of the year and is dubbed 'Blue Monday'.
In 2020, Cornwall had the highest rate of deaths by suicide in the South West according to the Office for National Statistics.
Chris wants to raise awareness on top of money, to help men know where to look for help when they're struggling to help figures like these fall.
He continued: "Don't be scared to speak to somebody. Nobody is going to judge you if you've got an issue and you need help. It takes a bigger person to ask for the help than to shy away and let it beat you".
The challenge itself was set out between Christmas and New Year, with help from a support vehicle and a Santa costume worn along the way.
The coast to coast journey involved a stop in Pensilva to lay a wreath on Jake's grave.
Chris continued: "My parents came out and met me and Jake's family came out. It was nice to see everyone smiling together, it's what Jake would have wanted.
"There were rainbows on the way so I know Jakey was with me because everyone knew Jake was beautiful like a rainbow, that's what he always said.
"The more people that see about this, the more people that know it's out there. The fundraising is brilliant, that's not the main reason for doing it. Raising awareness is the main thing and of course paying a big tribute to Jake because he was such a cool guy".