Ben is a self-employed joiner from Derbyshire and runs his own woodworking business. Ben has experienced issues of anxiety and depression in the past and contacted the Lighthouse Charity while dealing with a traumatic experience.

We have been able to support Ben through the tragic loss of a friend and he is incredibly grateful for the support offered by the Lighthouse Charity.

“Last year, a good friend of mine took his own life. Seeing how his family was affected by his suicide affected me deeply as it brought up what my family could have gone through as I nearly took my own life five years ago. To see this happen made me realise what my family could have gone through.

The Lighthouse Charity was there to support me with the loss of my friend and I was able to access specialist bereavement support. I have a young family, which I cannot support without looking after myself first. I was incredibly grateful for their support and want to spread the message that these services are available to everyone who works in construction and the trades. The support I received helped me cope with my emotions and I was able to develop my coping mechanisms that I use to help during difficult times. As well as coping with the loss of my friend it also helped me focus on looking after myself and prioritising what was important in my life.

During this time, I have been fundraising for the Lighthouse by taking part in “Ben’s Wacky Races”. These are a series of challenges pushing a bright #MakeItVisible branded wheelbarrow including completing marathons, mountainous routes and ultra long-distance events. I have raised over £5,000 so far but what is more important for me is raising awareness of the Lighthouse Charity’s free services. The empty wheelbarrow signifies the invisible load of those mental health and wellbeing troubles that we carry around on a daily basis and it immediately breaks barriers, whilst opening conversations.”

Ben’s JustGiving fundraising page is here if you can donate to his challenge and help us raise valuable funds – https://www.justgiving.com/page/benswackyraces.