A Harrow resident is hosting a charity fun day in memory of her brother, who tragically lost his life to suicide last year.
The event, named “Go Green for Dean,” will take place on 14th September 2024 at The Three Wishes in North Harrow, just days after World Suicide Prevention Day, with all proceeds going to Mind in Harrow.
Emma Taylor, who grew up in Harrow alongside her brother Dean, is organising the event to honour his memory and raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
Dean Michael Taylor, born on 28th March 1993, tragically took his own life on 24th March 2023 in Central Harrow, leaving his family and friends devastated.
Emma described her brother as “the apple of my eye,” known by many as the “Big Friendly Giant” for his generous and kind-hearted nature. “He was the type of guy who would give you his last pound and never ask for it back,” Emma shared.
The pain of losing Dean remains profound, and Emma acknowledges the unique and complex grief that comes with losing a loved one to suicide. “Death by suicide is different from other grief,” she said. “With suicide, I feel stuck, trapped on a spiral staircase of ‘whys?’ and ‘what ifs?’”
In an effort to cope with her grief and honour Dean’s memory, Emma is encouraging others to #StartTheConversation about mental health.
“It’s easy to get yourself stuck in your own head, believing no one else could possibly feel the heartbreak you are feeling,” she said.
“We need to work hard to ensure we are checking in on the people around us. Walking down the street or sitting next to someone in the office – everyone has a story.”
The event at The Three Wishes will feature bingo, a quiz, a raffle, live music, and a free buffet. Guests are encouraged to wear something green in honour of Dean. The choice of charity, Mind in Harrow, holds special significance for Emma and her family.
Unbeknownst to them, the Mind in Harrow office is directly opposite the location where Dean passed away. The staff members working there that day were with him during his final moments, making the charity even more meaningful to the family.
Emma is urging the local community to come together for this important cause. “Please, if you are free, come down for Bingo, Quiz, a Raffle, Live Music & Free Buffet. Please wear something Green!”
For those unable to attend, donations can be made via a JustGiving page, with all proceeds going to Mind in Harrow.
For more information or to donate, please visit JustGiving.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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