A young man named Barney Pallot, who survived a suicide attempt, is determined to bring attention to men’s health and ensure that others receive the support they need. Two years ago, Barney tried to take his own life, but with the help of his loved ones and medical professionals, he has made significant progress in his recovery. Now, he wants to encourage men to open up about their struggles and seek help when needed.
The details of that fateful day in November 2021 are hazy for Barney, but his father, Chris, remembers it vividly. At four o’clock in the morning, the police arrived at their door to deliver the news that Barney was in the hospital in Sheffield. Chris, who works as an NHS manager, made a phone call to intensive care before rushing to be by his son’s side. The information he received was devastating – Barney’s heart had stopped, but the medical team managed to revive him. However, his condition remained critical.
Barney spent two weeks in intensive care, and his family prepared for the worst. During this time, his parents found solace in talking and playing music for him. Chris recalls a concert they attended together, where they saw the Foo Fighters perform their song “Everlong.” This song held a special place in their hearts, and Chris played it for Barney in the hospital. He noticed a positive response from Barney’s brain waves, and the song now carries even more significance for both of them.
In addition to the music, Barney’s brain also reacted to videos specially recorded for him by rugby players from the Leicester Tigers team. This was a promising sign and the first indication that Barney’s recovery was underway. Now, two years later, Barney is doing well and using his experience to raise funds for Movember, an annual campaign that focuses on men’s mental health.
Barney’s ultimate goal is to make a difference in someone’s life by sharing his story. He hopes that if someone who is struggling hears his experience and realizes they are not alone, it may encourage them to seek help and prevent them from taking their own life. By raising awareness and promoting open conversations about mental health, Barney wants to support others on their journey towards healing and recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, support is available through various helplines and organizations.