Fife man hosting gig to remember old classmates who took their lives
Lewis Hazel from St Andrews is organising a fundraiser for his 21st birthday to get more people talking about their mental health
A St Andrews man is holding a charity gig for his 21st birthday to get more people talking about their mental health - after two of his old schoolmates took their own life.
Lewis Hazel and his friends were left shocked when two boys from Madras College passed away this year.
Now he's aiming to raise ÂŁ21,000 for mental health support groups.
He says he wants to do something more than your usual birthday celebration.
“A lot of people come, you see it on social media. They all take photos with the birthday boy or girl,” said Lewis.
“I thought if it’s getting so much attention for one person just having a party, why don’t we do it for a cause that’s more worthwhile.”
The event will take place on 16 February 2019 in the Younger Hall, St Andrews.
Lewis says the loss of his old schoolmates hit his peers hard.
“It was just completely out of the blue. Two boys who were in my year, same age as me.
“It’s quite hard to hear, especially because St Andrews is such a small place.
“For it to happen to those two boys, I feel there was not enough help. The reason why I’m doing this is to raise awareness and therefore we can get more help.”
His mum Nicola is helping him organise the event. She says she can see why many youngsters face mental health battles.
“You see a lot of information on social media. You want to have the perfect life, look a certain way, and do certain things,” said Nicola.
“I think that’s a lot of pressure on young people these days to do all that.
All money raised will be shared between Breathing Space and Touched by Suicide Scotland. If you'd like to make a donation you can go to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gigtwentyone