Friends and family of King's Lynn man Lee Calton aim to prevent further tragedies that took his life so young
A foundation has been set up as a legacy to popular Lynn man Lee Calton who tragically took his own life.
The 8:56 Foundation is in memory of Lee to help people struggling with mental health issues to have a place to turn to when they reach crisis point.
The foundation, although in its early days, will point people in the direction of the Samaritans and has longer term goals to provide support, advice and a life line to those suffering with suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles.
The Lynn branch of the Samaritans are taking calls for now while the foundation gets set up.
The foundation has been set up by friends and family of Lee, and in association with King’s Lynn Soccer Club, as a charitable trust.
Chairman of the trust is Matthew Oakes, treasurer Ian Prentice and joint secretary Mark Bromfield and Phillip Yates.
Mark is brother in law to Lee and the name of the foundation is significant.
The time of the train they all used to get when they were younger to watch football was the 8.56. For Lynn away games the 8.56 became a nickname for the group, with T-shirts and flags, becoming their tour name, so this seemed an apt name for the foundation.
It was a time to be together with friends and talk and the aim of the foundation is to take the time to talk and have the opportunity for help.
Mark said: “We didn’t really know what was going on with Lee and so the purpose of the foundation is to start to raise awareness about mental health in men, who may find it difficult to communicate with each other and don’t speak about their struggles. If we can change that perception even in one person then that’s the goal.”
Involvement from the soccer club will also be a way to get men talking. Mark said: “Our goal is to help people and stop families suffering in the same way. There are not many places to turn to for people who are struggling. If we can help someone, in memory of Lee, then it would be brilliant. We are passionate about it as a family.”
With the foundation website under construction, the Facebook and Twitter pages up and running, social media is an effective way to reach people.
Alongside the social media there will be a launch on Friday, September 17 from 6pm at the West Lynn Social Club. The launch is sponsored by Discount Tyres and The Studio Hair company, Double G Clothing have donated printing services for leaflets.
Mark said: “This is 100 per cent Lee’s legacy and we want the foundation to be known and want it to flourish. Everyone is welcome to pop in, everything has happened so fast but as a way to move forward in Lee’s memory it is great.”
For those in need of help contact the Samaritans on 0330 094 5717.