The tragic death of a Manea man has inspired two people to complete next year’s London Marathon.
Aaron Mayes, a promising trainee architect, took his own life by running in front a train at a Manea rail crossing in October last year.
Daniel Cogswell, the man who was the guard on board the train travelling from Cambridge to Birmingham which hit the 23-year-old, has announced his plans to complete the marathon on Sunday April 24.
And one of Aaron’s close friends Hetty Cliss, 23, of March has also pledged to cross the finishing line in his memory.
Posting on his JustGiving page Daniel, who lives in Birmingham and is now a train driver based in London, said: “This will be my first ever marathon and the task ahead seems rather daunting, I know it’s going to be a physical, emotional and mental challenge but I’m determined to be on that start line.
“I’ve chosen to run for the Samaritans to try to help raise awareness of the growing frequency of railway suicides. As many of you close to me are aware, I was involved in a suicide at work last year, which was a traumatic experience for me, so now I feel like I want to give something back to a charity which has close links to the railway and provides 24/7 help to people who are in despair.”
Hetty has chosen Mind as her charity.
Aaron’s family and friends have fundraised for the charity in the month’s since his death.
Hetty said on her JustGiving page: “The issue of Mental health is a big one, and raising awareness and promoting the support available is a cause close to my heart. If you are able to donate to support this worthy cause, I would be so grateful so we can make sure those suffering with mental health illnesses like depression and anxiety get the support they need.”
Aaron had been suffering from depression and anxiety in the weeks before he took his own life.
His parents Jan Boardman and Laurence Mayes and sister Janey said at the time of the inquest into his death earlier this year: “Aaron was a wonderful, gifted young man whose personality and thoughtfulness shone through. A gentle giant who was attentive to his family and friends and would never put himself before them.
“Not wanting to upset or worry anybody unduly, Aaron would cleverly hide his anxieties and negative feelings. But it was anxiety which very quickly and unexpectedly pushed Aaron into a state of depression. Not knowing where to turn or how, his depression would eventually take his life.”
Visit: www.justgiving.com/Hetty-Cliss to sponsor Hetty in support of Mind or www.justgiving.com/Dan-Cogswell to sponsor Daniel in aid of the Samaritans
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