Mental Health Awareness Week, which started yesterday, highlights the plight of those living with mental health issues and helps to reduce the stigma so many experience.

As a way of helping others, a footballer from Chatham has come forward to share his story and battle with severe depression, anxiety and PTSD following the death of his brother in 2017.

Daniel Coleman, of Upper Luton Road, saw his brother, Ashley, as his best friend and soul mate.

The ex-warehouse worker said: "I was 25 when Ashley died, and he was 24. We were like twins, 13 months apart.

"He was a soldier in The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, the senior English line infantry regiment of the British Army. He died on his way home from Germany in a car crash in Belgium.

"Ashley was a gunner for an armoured vehicle, called a warrior, based in Germany.

"He was on exercise but his partner-at-the-time's grandad died and he was adamant about driving home to be with her on the day of the funeral.

"He'd been on exercise for two weeks but still wanted to get home. He died on the Thursday night in Belgium after hitting a lorry and rolling six times. He broke his neck on impact.

"Ashley was coming to support everyone for a funeral on the Friday and ended up dying in the process. That breaks me.

"To me he was my hero, best friend and life, really.

"You would not have Daniel without Ashley, and you would not have Ashley without Daniel.

"My life shattered and I lost myself. I didn't touch drugs or alcohol but I needed an escape, I was suffering with PTSD, severe anxiety and severe depression.

"I would get suicidal images in my head because I would feel so lonely every day. I'd look up and know he wasn't looking up at the same sky.

"Little things like that would break me.

"I'm not married but I have been with my partner, Phoebe Ballantyne, for almost 11 years.

"Because of my health I've put her through hell. She recently lost her mum and puts up with my attacks, crying, not sleeping and she's still here.

"She's a one of a kind woman and I'm grateful and lucky to have her."

Daniel is a father-of-two and says Ashley looked after his children, Kya, eight, and Oliver, four, as if they were his own.

He continued: "My kids loved him. He truly was an amazing uncle and my daughter talks heavily about him now.

"Kya and Oliver were amazing and my reason to not follow through with suicide.

"I knew that if I also died all I would do was pass on the burden. However, when they were in bed or at school I'd still feel lonely, empty and the world would become quiet.

"To try and help this I started my very own Saturday football team up called Medway Tigers in memory of Ashley and his time serving in the PWRR Tigers.

"This helped me keep his name alive across Medway and also made me focus on trying to succeed in his name and memory. I found a real determination."

Medway Tigers is a men's Saturday football team, set up this season, with the rules explaining that everyone who joins is welcomed instantly because of the meaning and the respect the team brings.

Daniel said: "If it wasn't for the General at Sea pub in Chatham we wouldn't have a club. Despite Covid-19 they still believed in me and sponsored the club.

"When I go to football games to run my team or to play for my team I am in the moment.

"I don't feel alone, I feel successful and I don't feel like a failure. We would hold a minute's silence on his birthday or anniversary and you felt a togetherness with everyone involved.

"I do suffer with severe mental health and I am on a few tablets but keeping the memory of my brother in grassroots football really does help.

"Grassroots football is good for mental health as you feel united – united by the passion of football and for me, united by the determination in succeeding in my hero of a brother's name.

"My advice to people with mental health is to go and find a local sport to get involved in or to support.

"Because of my club, every Saturday, I don't feel alone and it's giving me something to try and achieve.

"Use what may be a huge problem and try and turn it into something you can be proud of. I have suicidal thoughts and panic attacks everyday. I cry every night because of my flashbacks, but don't pass on your pain to your loved ones.

"You or them do not deserve it and you're not alone.

"Medway Tigers is always open to people who want to play or talk about their problems. Just find us on Facebook and reach out to someone and I repeat what I said.. you're not alone.

"Sleep tight Ash. Your name and memory will live on. I love you brother."

To find out more about Medway Tigers visit their Facebook page here.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or click here to visit the website.

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