Alex Cann

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Calvin Harris & Rag'n'bone Man

Giant

Listen Live Podcasts

Mental health campaign launched in memory of son

Thursday, 24 September 2026 08:11

Christopher died by suicide at Willy's Spout on 23rd June.

A mental health awareness campaign has been launched in memory of a man who died in Ilkley earlier this year.

Christopher died by suicide at Willy's Spout on 23rd June following struggles with his mental health, depression and alcohol addiction.

Lynn, a healthcare professional who knew Christopher and Christopher's mum, are now sharing his story to raise awareness of mental health and addiction while raising money for YoungMinds.

She hopes the campaign will encourage conversations around early intervention, access to support and the importance of listening to people experiencing mental health difficulties.

Lynn said Christopher had faced difficulties with his mental health throughout his life but wanted him to be remembered for much more than the challenges he experienced.

Towards the end of his life, Christopher did find love and for a time it brought him happiness, however that person also died by suicide which sent him on a downward spiral, ultimately leading to his death.

She said:

“He was so much more than his struggles.

"He brought laughter, love and joy into the lives of the people around him.

“He was just a decent human being and deserved to be remembered.”

Lynn said she hopes sharing Christopher's story could encourage others who are struggling to reach out for support.

She added:

“If sharing Chris's story can help even one person recognise that they are not alone, encourage someone to ask for help, or remind us all of the importance of taking mental health seriously, then something positive can come from our terrible loss.”

Money raised through the campaign will be donated to YoungMinds, a charity which supports the mental health of children and young people.

More from Local news

Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival

Yorkshire's literary talent will take centre stage when Ilkley Literature Festival returns next month, with a third of this year's authors having links to the county.
Annual golf day raises £4,383 for Airedale Hospital

A charity golf day has raised more than £4,300 to support patients, families and staff at Airedale.
The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business

The Ilkley Cow is calling on customers for support after entering a nationwide competition to find the UK's Favourite Local Business.
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment

Verbeia Grange will open on Monday 5th October, providing residential care for people aged 65 and over.
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge

A team from Ilkley-headquartered estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has taken on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for a local children’s charity.
Classic film meets live rock concert at Ilkley's King's Hall

A show combining classic cinema with live rock music is coming to Ilkley's King's Hall this Friday (25th September).
Reform leaders urge Mayor to drop tourist tax plans

Reform UK's leaders across West Yorkshire are clashing head on with the region’s Mayor over proposals to introduce a “tourist tax.”
Free dementia awareness event to be held in Ilkley

A free community event aimed at raising awareness of dementia and the support available locally is coming to Ilkley next month.
Ilkley restaurant celebrates Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award

The Ilkley Cow is celebrating after receiving a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
Women’s business network celebrates second birthday in Ilkley

More than 60 women in business came together in Ilkley as a Yorkshire networking group celebrated its second anniversary.
Food waste collections set to be introduced in Ilkley

Households across Ilkley will soon receive new bins as Bradford Council prepares to introduce separate food waste collections.
Climate Café to offer space to talk about climate concerns in Ilkley

A new Climate Café is being held in Ilkley tonight, offering people a space to talk openly about their feelings surrounding climate change and the ecological crisis.
Ilkley restaurant Forde features on Channel 5's Our Great Yorkshire Life

Ilkley restaurant Forde Ilkley has appeared on Channel 5 as part of the latest episode of Our Great Yorkshire Life.
Scientific study launched to help restore Ilkley Tarn

An ambitious project has been launched to restore Ilkley Tarn and transform it into a thriving habitat for wildlife.
Leeds United legends coming to Ilkley for special fans' night

Leeds United fans will have the chance to hear from two former Elland Road strikers when Jermaine Beckford and Michael Bridges visit Ilkley later this month.
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment

A major waterpark in North Yorkshire is expected to be sold to a new owner after it was taken over by North Yorkshire Council.
Dacre Son & Hartley team conquers Yorkshire Three Peaks for children's charity

A team from Ilkley-headquartered estate agent Dacre Son & Hartley has completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity.
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway set for Oktoberfest takeover

A taste of Bavaria is coming to the Yorkshire Dales next month as the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway hosts its own Oktoberfest celebration.
Dates announced for Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival 2026

Dates have been announced for the return of Ilkley’s popular Christmas Tree Festival later this year.
Mayfield View named winner of Ilkley wheelbarrow competition

Mayfield View has been crowned the overall winner of a floral competition which has seen businesses across Ilkley create colourful wheelbarrow displays.