A YOUNG Entrepreneur of the Year, Josh Quigley could have added to Scotland’s suicide statistics had he not survived an attempt to end his life.
Says a spokesperson: “During 2014, 696 people in Scotland died because of suicide. Mental health issues in young people have become more prevalent in recent years and Josh earlier this year was suffering from depression and attempted to end his life by deliberately crashing his car into a wall at 80mph.
“Having survived without serious injury, Josh recognises he has been given a second chance and is passionate about raising awareness of Mental health Issues both here and around the world.”
Josh will spend the next six months engaging with organisations, support groups, schools, stakeholders and politicians before embarking on his journey to raise awareness in mental health issues by travelling to over 80 countries and six continents.
As ‘The Tartan Explorer’, Josh is going to travel the world in a kilt and undertake his self-proclaimed A.W.A.R.E challenge.
- Accept or undertake an adrenaline-based activity or extreme sport.
- Work or volunteer in a mental health charity or association.
- Appear on TV or radio speaking about my challenge and adventure.
- Reveal my story on a stage at a mental health conference, event or seminar.
- Exercise or perform a physical challenge at the country’s most iconic landmark or destination.
Being an ambitious entrepreneur with a specialism in social media, he aims to make the challenge the world’s largest social network community for mental health.
Josh Quigley says: “Whilst lying in my hospital bed, following my attempt to take my own life, I realised that I had been given a second chance. The Tartan Explorer initiative will give me the chance to destigmatise mental health and demonstrate Scotland’s recognition to address these issues.”
Mary Scanlon MSP, who is well-known for her support of mental health issues, added: “I wish Josh every success in his quest to undertake his Tartan Explorer Challenge.
“To engage with organisations and people who suffer with mental health problems both in Scotland and further afield can only be a good thing. I hope this will encourage people to talk more openly about mental health issues.”
To raise funds, Josh aims to seek sponsorship from Scottish businesses and organisations, and will be launching a crowdfunding campaign for donations in April 2016.
In the meantime, Josh will engage with communities affected by these issues with speaking engagements and is reaching out for support from the people of Scotland.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
All media enquiries to Martin Hunt at Tartan Silk PR, email: martin@tartansilk.co.uk, tel: 0131 557 0341, mob: 07767 401 760
Josh Quigley was the 2015 Winner of the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
To read Josh’s full story
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