Paul Hall died in March, leaving a huge hole in his family

20:07, 22 May 2026Updated 22:09, 22 May 2026

Brother completes 130 mile run in memory of Paul Hall

A Benwell man has run from Edinburgh to St James’ Park in memory of his brother, who devastatingly took his own life two months ago. David Hall, 34, completed his epic run – which he is using to fundraise for the charity Mind – and told ChronicleLive how important it was to banish stigma around mental ill health.

On March 5 this year, his brother Paul died suddenly at the age of 29 – to the shock of family and friends. David told of how the family’s heartbreak had driven him on. He said: “I’ve just run 130 miles over 4 days from Edinburgh to Newcastle all for the charity Mind They do amazing work. It was all in memory of my brother who sadly took his own life in March.

“It was in memory of him and anyone else who has had to suffer in silence. I think there’s a stigma around mental health especially around men. Those like myself – we’re scared to speak up. It’s about time we remove that stigma. It’s fine for anyone not to be okay.

“Everything gets challenging, physically and mentally. But just keep pushing on – that’s what I’ve done over this four days.”

David has set up a GoFundMe page which has thus far raised more than £1,600 for Mind. He added: “Paul wasn’t just my brother — he was a huge part of my life. He meant everything to me, and losing him is something I’m still trying to come to terms with every single day.

David Hall is greeted by his family at St James' Park on the final leg of his run from Edinburgh to Newcastle to raise awareness of mental health issues in young people after their brother Paul, who was only 29, took his own life two months ago.

David Hall is greeted by his family at St James’ Park on the final leg of his run from Edinburgh to Newcastle to raise awareness of mental health issues in young people after their brother Paul, who was only 29, took his own life two months ago.(Image: Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

“Paul sadly took his own life, and that’s a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone. It’s left a hole in our family that will never truly be filled. The hardest part is knowing that he must have felt so alone — and that’s why I’m doing this.

“No one should ever feel like they have no way out. No one should feel like they have to face things on their own. There is always someone who cares. There is always someone who will listen. And there is always help out there, even in the darkest moments.”

Paul – who had worked for EE as in sales – died leaving partner Anna, two children and a large and loving family. This also includes David and sisters Britney, Tamzin and Miley, and parents Chris and Angela.

Britney paid a moving tribute. Telling of the family’s heartbreak, she said: “It was such a massive and devastating shock – we just didn’t know what he was going through. It was a shock for the whole family, he was a loving dad and he was so young.

“Paul was a loving father, he was outgoing and he was very hardworking. He worked for EE and was one of the top salesmen! And he was going to go into car sales. It was just so unexpected – it shows that you never know what people are suffering with behind closed doors.”

To find out more about David’s fundraising for mental health charity Mind, click here.

How to access support if you need it

If this piece has affected you and you want to talk to someone, there are helplines and support groups available, many of them 24/7.

The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.

  • Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
  • Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
  • PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
  • Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
  • Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
  • Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
  • If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.
  • James’ Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family member.

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