Feel-good Friday

[Trigger warning: bereavement and suicide]

This week, we’re shining a light on Duncan Everard, a Plymouth postie whose personal journey has led him to make a positive impact on others through a charity that’s close to his heart.

In 2022, Duncan sadly lost his brother, Brendan to suicide. It was a devastating time, and like many who experience such loss, Duncan found himself struggling to cope. He didn’t know where to turn, he found Pete’s Dragons, a charity that supports people through the grief of losing someone to suicide.

‘It was a tough time, and I just didn’t know how to deal with it’ said Duncan. ‘But when I saw what Pete’s Dragons offered, I thought, 'I can’t feel any worse, so I’ll give them a call. That was the start of my journey with them.’

Through Pete’s Dragons, Duncan was paired with a bereavement specialist who gave him the support he needed to process his grief in a safe and confidential space. ‘It wasn’t an easy journey, but it helped me come to terms with what had happened. Now, three years on, I feel like I’m able to live alongside the loss.’

Wanting to give back for the support he received, Duncan has organised football matches for two years in a row to fundraise – you can support this by clicking here.

‘We’ve put on another 11-a-side match with players from my Royal Mail colleagues, friends, and family of my brother. We had 40 players in total, with half of them being fellow posties’ said Duncan. ‘After the match, we hosted a raffle to raise even more funds. I’m really grateful to all the local and national businesses that have donated prizes.’

For Duncan, the fundraiser is about more than just raising money – it’s about creating a sense of community: ‘It’s great to bring people together, have some fun, and raise awareness for a cause that’s important to me. If anyone’s thinking about doing a fundraiser, I’d say go for it. Pick a charity that means something to you and let that passion drive you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and remember, it’s not just about the money – it’s about raising awareness.’

As for future plans, Duncan isn’t sure what next year will bring, but he’s not ruling anything out. "I said I wouldn’t do it again, but here I am! The players are mostly 40+, so we’ll see if our knees hold up for another match!’

‘Mental health is something we all need to pay attention to, and a small gesture can sometimes mean a lot.’

Duncan’s efforts have not only raised much-needed funds for Petes Dragons but also brought together a community of people willing to make a difference. His journey is a powerful example of how we can all turn personal challenges into opportunities to help others.

You can donate to Duncan’s fundraising by clicking here.