THE Best friend of a Winsford man who took his own life has just had his first haircut and shave in two years – after embarking on a fundraising crusade for the Depression Alliance.

Mark Gresty began growing his hair and beard following the death of Andrew James Washington.

Andy hung himself two years ago in Whitegate, aged just 26, leaving behind a three month old daughter, a girlfriend of six years and family who dearly loved him.

Mark and Andy’s family are calling for a greater national dialogue about depression on the anniversary of his death, and urging people not to suffer in silence.

“I knew him from primary school, since we were four or five. He was my best mate,” said Mark, 27, of Dene Drive.

“He was always a very happy lad and was the last person you’d think would do something like that.

“It’s hard to think he couldn’t speak to friend and family about what was bothering him. I wanted to raise awareness that there are all sorts of people that will listen and help if you are depressed.”

Andy’s mum, Beverley Welsh, remembered: “Andy told me everything that was going on his life, but even though I could tell something was starting to bother him, he would not discuss it.

“Depression is the biggest killer of young men in this country. It shocked me to discover how often a life is lost to this disease.

“We need a more open society, a greater understanding of mental health, a greater support system and a life with no stigma attached to mental health issues.”

Beverley said she was Mark’s ‘biggest fan’ following his two-year ‘bad hair day’ to raise funds and awareness.

If you’d like to support Mark and the Depression Alliance, visit justgiving.com/Mark-Grestys-Challenge.

 

EVERY year about 5,000 people die in the UK through suicide – and it’s three times more common in men.

NHS Vale Royal Clinical Commissioning Group got behind the recent World Suicide Prevention Day and can signpost people throughout the area to help and advice.

Dr Jean Jenkins, CCG’s clinical lead for mental health, said: “We want people in Vale Royal to be aware of the support that is available in this area.

“The CCG is working with its partners to ensure that those who are affected by poor mental health are able to access the support mechanisms that are in place to reduce instances where suicide becomes an option to a person.”

For more information on mental health services available across Vale Royal, visit cwp.nhs.uk.

There is also information on the NHS website on improving mental health at nhs.uk/Conditions/Suicide/Pages/Prevention Depression Alliance bring people together to end the loneliness and isolation of depression.

They also campaign to end the stigma of depression and to raise awareness of what it means to live with it.

They offer a wealth of information on coping with depression and ways they can help – arranging wellbeing networks and self help groups.

Visit depressionalliance.org for more information.