Milly StandingCarl Norton, regional business manager at Fix Auto, is preparing for the first time to take on this September’s Great North Run, while colleagues across the country offer donations and messages of encouragement.
The Fix Auto UK community has rallied, reflecting the impact he has made through his work aimed at creating a culture of care and openness around mental wellbeing.
Norton’s dedication to mental health awareness is the driving force behind Fix Auto UK’s Mental Health First Aiders programme.
200 individuals have undertaken the two-day Mental Health First Aiders course, where he uses his own ongoing experience when highlighting the vital necessity to seek mental health support.
Norton who “fiercely hates running”, is taking himself out of his comfort zone and undertaking “one of the biggest challenges of [his] life” in loving memory of his son, Thomas, who took his own life in March 2023.
Norton is raising money for the If U Care Share charity that provides vital suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention support to young people and families affected by suicide.
Norton said: “I’m running for Thomas, and for every family touched by suicide, if this helps just one person open up, seek help, or feel less alone, then it’s worth every step.
“Those who know me know I absolutely hate the thought of running, I really am stepping out of my comfort zone.
“Thomas was just 25 years old when we tragically lost him to suicide in March 2023.
“He was bright, funny, thoughtful, and had so much life ahead of him.
“To those who knew him, he was a kind soul who carried others through their darkest moments, even while quietly battling his own.
“No family or friend should have to experience the pain of losing someone to suicide.
“It’s a heartbreak that ripples out, touching everyone who loved them.
“But with awareness, support, and understanding lives can be saved – and that’s why I am running.”
