FOCUSING ON...
Charity launched in memory of young enthusiast
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Charity HEROES
Craig Cheetham on the conversations that we need to have
Huge strides have been made in recent years in the treatment of mental health – and perhaps more importantly breaking down the stigma that has long surrounded the biggest killer of people below the age of 45. This awareness and understanding are thanks in no small part to some terrific charities that have gone out of their way to break down barriers and assure people, especially younger men, that it really is OK to not be OK.
But this month’s lead story drives home the fact that there’s still work to do. I won’t deny that it hit me hard – I’m a father of three sons and someone who will very openly speak about how depression has affected me.
To hear the tragic story of Leon Jack stopped me in my tracks. Aged 19 and with his entire adult life ahead of him, Leon sadly passed away just before Christmas two years ago. Subsequent conversations with his father, Alan, revealed that Leon was just a normal lad, who loved his cars and whose Honda EG Civic had brought him happiness and friendships – things that every PC reader can relate to, as we all know the bonds and pleasure our cars can bring us.
Nobody will ever know what led Leon to do what he did that day, but we should all take massive pride in what his family have done since. While the selflessness of Leon’s family is admirable and charities such as the Foundation are massively valuable, we can still do our bit. This festive season, check up on your friends and family and ask them, honestly, if they’re OK. It’s a tough time of year for a lot of people, and simply asking the question will show you care. Meantime, if you, your car club or your friends have got anything planned to raise money or awareness for charity, are about to embark on a road trip or have a hero of your own you’d like to sing the praises of, we want to hear about it.
If you, your car club or your friends have got anything planned to raise money for charity, we absolutely want to hear about it and talk about it in these pages. Please drop us a line at practicalclassics@bauermedia.co.uk and we’ll help you in any way we can.
Leon Jack was a happy, caring and loving individual who would go out of his way to help anyone. Cars were a massive part of his life. He was studying at college to be a mechanic, and with his savings from his job he paid for driving lessons, while catching the bus to work or his studies.
Leon got to know one of the bus drivers really well as
