When East Lancashire’s Ian Chapman came across a troubled looking man on a bridge last year, he knew something wasn’t right.
Ian, who lives in Padiham, was walking his dog along Gannow Top in Burnley when he came across a “young man with a dark, deep stare.”
Ian, 61, said: “I said ‘good afternoon’ to him but didn’t even get a response – he didn’t even bat an eyelid.
“I continued to walk but looked over my shoulder; before I knew it he was climbing over the fence.”
Ian tried to talk to the man and before getting in touch with police.
“I tried to talk to him but offered him my phone and told him to call his friends and family,” said Ian
“I thought to myself ‘I’m in no position to talk to this lad’ as I might trigger him so I phoned the police straight away.
“Thankfully, they turned up promptly and saved him.”
Ian said he had to leave after becoming upset and said the experience has left a lasting impression on him.
If it hadn’t been for Ian’s phone call to police the young man might not have survived.
Ian said: “It’s an experience resonated with me and made a massive impact on me for quite a while.
“I knew about mental health problems in the country but didn’t quite understand the true extent of them.”
After the experience Ian carried out his own research into mental health and came across Burnley charity Casual Minds CIC.
Ian said: “The group down at Casual Minds Matter are a fantastic bunch and they are so open about sharing their stories and worries.”
Now, Ian is taking part in a barefoot walking challenge in order to raise money for the group and raise awareness for mental health.
On August 20 he is set to walk seven miles from from St Catherines Community Centre in Burnley to the The Cornerstone pub in Bacup, where there will be a small celebration and live music waiting.
However, he’s set to do the entire walk without shoes on.
Ian said training for the event has been harder than you might think.
He said: “It’s been extremely difficulty. I have pulled metal splinters out my feet and it has been really hard.
“I am looking forward to it though. However, I have asked the council to sweep it first as there is a lot of glass on the route.
“If you are struggling with your mental health I want to urge people to pick up the phone and speak to someone.”
Ian has raised £665 so far, smashing his £300 target.
If you want to donate to Ian’s fundraiser you can do so via his JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ian-chapman-2?utm_term=RwK5NBm5q
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