Cousins' deaths spark mental health awareness campaign

Two families are mourning the loss of cousins Daniel Walton and Ceolan McGuire, who both died by suicide 11 years apart. Daniel was 23 when he passed away on March 14, 2013. Ceolan, 27, died just last year, also on March 14. Their deaths have deeply affected their families, who describe both men as having bright personalities that masked their struggles. Daniel's mother, Marie, and Ceolan's mother, Carmel, are now raising money for mental health awareness after their tragic losses. They are planning a significant walk from Birmingham to Liverpool, their journey beginning in Manchester, where Daniel loved to watch Manchester United play. The walk aims to honor both cousins and increase awareness of men's mental health issues. Marie shared her experience with loss and her commitment to help others who may be struggling. She noted that both Daniel and Ceolan appeared happy before their deaths, highlighting the importance of understanding that depression can sometimes go unnoticed. They want to encourage men to speak up about their mental health. The family has chosen to support the charity Men's Minds Matter, focusing on the stigma that often prevents men from discussing their feelings. They believe it’s crucial to create an environment where men feel safe to express their struggles. Marie emphasizes the love within their family and how it has helped them cope with their grief. Both families are determined to honor their sons' memories by fostering conversations about mental health, hoping to make a positive impact in the community. They have set up a Facebook page to share their journey and raised funds to support their cause.