Mates in Mind

Tom's page

Tom Johnson

Tom Johnson

My Story

In 2023, my world changed forever when I lost my lifelong best friend, Joe, to suicide. Joe had been by my side since we were kids, and though he was full of life, laughter, and energy, despite this, he faced many struggles with his mental health that he couldn’t escape.

Through the good times and the tough
Joe wasn’t just my best mate, he was my brother in every sense of the word. I stood with him through his darkest days, when life felt impossibly heavy for him, but we also shared some of the happiest times of our lives together—memories I will treasure forever. From growing up in our small village of Silver End in Essex, to climbing Snowdon at 26, from nights out across the country to scaling the Sky Garden to raise money for Great Ormond Street—we packed a lifetime of memories into just 26 years. We spoke every single day, on the phone, on WhatsApp and sending each other memes on Instagram and TikTok. Now, there’s a silence that can never be filled, and a part of me will always be missing. It really is true what they say: “you don’t realise what you have until it’s gone”.

Joe the runner
Running became a huge part of Joe’s life. He would go out for 5, 10, or even 15k every other day. It wasn’t just about fitness—it was his escape, his peace. Running gave him something positive to focus on, a release from everything else going on in his head. It was the one thing that truly made him feel free.

Why I’m running
I’ve always said I never wanted to run a marathon—it just wasn’t me. But when I saw an advert for a charity place on my works internal notice board, something clicked. Life is too short. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, to take on something that terrified me, and to do it for a cause that is close to my heart. This marathon is for him, and for everyone who is struggling in silence.

If you knew Joe, knew of Joe, or have been touched by his story, I would be so grateful if you could donate generously to support the incredible work of Mates in Mind (especially as I don't even like running!).

This one’s for you, Joe.

Mates in Mind

Raising for:

Mates in Mind
139%

Funded

  • Target
    £5,000
  • Raised so far
    £6,974
  • Number of donors
    185

My Story

In 2023, my world changed forever when I lost my lifelong best friend, Joe, to suicide. Joe had been by my side since we were kids, and though he was full of life, laughter, and energy, despite this, he faced many struggles with his mental health that he couldn’t escape.

Through the good times and the tough
Joe wasn’t just my best mate, he was my brother in every sense of the word. I stood with him through his darkest days, when life felt impossibly heavy for him, but we also shared some of the happiest times of our lives together—memories I will treasure forever. From growing up in our small village of Silver End in Essex, to climbing Snowdon at 26, from nights out across the country to scaling the Sky Garden to raise money for Great Ormond Street—we packed a lifetime of memories into just 26 years. We spoke every single day, on the phone, on WhatsApp and sending each other memes on Instagram and TikTok. Now, there’s a silence that can never be filled, and a part of me will always be missing. It really is true what they say: “you don’t realise what you have until it’s gone”.

Joe the runner
Running became a huge part of Joe’s life. He would go out for 5, 10, or even 15k every other day. It wasn’t just about fitness—it was his escape, his peace. Running gave him something positive to focus on, a release from everything else going on in his head. It was the one thing that truly made him feel free.

Why I’m running
I’ve always said I never wanted to run a marathon—it just wasn’t me. But when I saw an advert for a charity place on my works internal notice board, something clicked. Life is too short. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, to take on something that terrified me, and to do it for a cause that is close to my heart. This marathon is for him, and for everyone who is struggling in silence.

If you knew Joe, knew of Joe, or have been touched by his story, I would be so grateful if you could donate generously to support the incredible work of Mates in Mind (especially as I don't even like running!).

This one’s for you, Joe.