A FOUNDATION set up in memory of a Downend teenager who took his own life has unveiled its official launch event.
The Cameron Williams Foundation is teaming up with Downend pub the Trident to hold a family fun day on May 25, to raise awareness of men’s mental health and suicide.
Two weeks before the event a team of friends and family will run in the Bristol Half-Marathon, with the aim of raising thousands of pounds for two charities the foundation is supporting.
Cameron died last year, aged 19, after being left devastated by the death of a friend and colleague in a road crash.
His family say the former Downend School and Stanbridge Primary pupil, had struggled with survivor’s guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder after the accident, in which he was uninjured but fellow passenger and scaffolder Tyler Carley died.
They have set up the foundation to try to end the stigma around discussing men’s mental health, to fund charities providing practical support and to direct men to help when they need it.
The launch event at the Trident, which takes place from 2pm to 8pm, will feature live entertainment from ex-Soul Train Radio DJ Rob Mason, live dance, a ‘grill and chill’ barbecue, face painting, a bouncy castle, raffles, auctions and a range of stalls.
Cameron’s aunt Amelia Care said: “All proceeds raised will go towards supporting the foundation’s mental health programs and outreach activities, including safe social spaces, peer support, and mental health training.
“The foundation was established to support local men through difficult times, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and provide community-driven support initiatives.
“Join us in celebrating the launch of the Cameron Williams Foundation and help us make a difference in the lives of local men and families.”
Amelia, from Keynsham, is one of a team of six runners who have been training ahead of the Bristol Half-Marathon on May 11 to raise money for two charities the foundation is backing.
SOBS – Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide – has been supporting Cameron’s mum Melissa and Amelia through their grief, through a support group that meets in Bristol.
Talk Club is a charity helping men to improve their mental health through talking groups and therapies, and an online community.
The other runners are Danielle Thomas, a family friend, Finn Griffiths and Kyran Cotton, who were friends of Cameron from his time at Downend School, and Max Storie and Dylan Hooper, who knew Cameron when they were students at Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy in Stoke Gifford.
Amelia, who had talked about running a half-marathon with Cameron before he died, said training for the run in May had helped her mental health “massively”.
She said: “I’d been dropping my girls off at school then spending the day in bed crying. I woke up one day and thought I can’t do that any more, I’m going to run the half-marathon.
Max added: “It gives you a focus.”
The runners have around £2,500 in sponsorship pledges so far.
An online donation page can be found at gofund.me/00f4aae7.
Amelia, Danielle and Cameron’s friends met up for a picture for the Voice at the bench in King George V playing fields where Cameron used to meet his friends to socialise.
The family is funding a new bench, which will be installed nearby as a memorial to Cameron in the coming months, which will have signs to point anyone struggling with their mental health towards help.
Amelia said: “We’re hoping it’s somewhere people can go to have a moment of reflection, if they’re struggling with their mental health or thinking about Cameron.”
For more information about the fun day and the Cameron Williams Foundation, visit its Facebook page at tinyurl.com/4j8b7w7h or email info@cameronwilliamsfoundation.com.
Dad’s 100km march: Page 33