We all got together in his name

 

Last year, the Patel family gathered together with friends to take on GLOW in memory of Nitin Patel, a much beloved member of the family who died by suicide. They share how the fundraising walk gave them a chance to raise mental health awareness and cherish their fondest memories of Nitin.

Amit – Nitin’s brother:

My brother tragically took his own life last year after battling two decades of severe depression; he was only 45 years old. This was the saddest time in my family’s life, and we wanted to raise awareness for mental health. So many people suffer from debilitating mental health and there’s just not enough awareness and understanding of it.

The GLOW walk was only a few months after my brother’s passing and the day after his birthday. We had such an amazing turnout from family friends. It was a wonderful way for us to focus on getting fit to walk the 20km and be together to share memories of him during his birthday.

"On the day, I thought I’d be extremely sad, but surprisingly I felt a sense of elation and pride that we all got together in his name, and did something so worthwhile and fun!"

– Amit

I’m so glad we did it and I know everyone else felt the same way. The only way people will understand how serious and real mental health illnesses are is if people make an effort to bring attention to it.

We will definitely do this walk again in my beautiful brother, Nitin’s, name and the millions of other people out there who need support.

Anju – Nitin’s mother:

Nitin was my son and at the age of 45 we lost him. He was chronically depressed. We tried our best to support him, but did not succeed. This was a traumatic and emotionally very sad time for us.

The idea of mental health awareness was so fitting and very urgently required. The GLOW walk was so appealing and it was the least we could do to help others suffering from mental illnesses. We feel Nitin would have appreciated the support from family and friends.

I had mixed feelings before the walk, but when I reached there it was the complete opposite.

"I was overjoyed by the turnout of family and friends, and it was a feeling of achievement for a good cause."

– Anju

Rupal – Nitin’s cousin:

My cousin brother was such a beautiful soul and it has been heartbreaking to lose him to depression at such an early age. He had so much to offer the world – if only he was able to get through this difficult time and know this. Mental health is so misunderstood, and clearly needs more awareness and attention.

Like his brother, Amit, I also thought I’d be sad on the day of the walk. But it turned out to be a really heartwarming and supportive day, where all his family and friends came together in his memory, for a good cause. It also helped us to get fit in order to do the walk.

"Being a part of GLOW and Mental Health UK means a lot because the subject is so close to our family's heart. May we save more souls from losing their lives and more families from losing loved ones."

– Rupal

Thank you Mental Health UK for creating such a well organised event. We look forward to doing another walk in loving memory of Nitin.

Getting Help

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More information

You can find further information and support on the topics mentioned in this story here:

• Suicide
• Grief and bereavement
• Depression