Swindon mum who lost son to suicide leads walk to start conversations around mental health

  • Tracey Boxall organised the Lost Hours Walk after losing her son to suicide in 2019, as ITV West Country's Ulani Seaman reports

A woman who lost her 19-year-old son to suicide has led dozens of people on a walk to encourage families to start conversations - no matter how tough they might be.

Tracey Boxall's son Alex died in 2019, and she has spent the past three years working with the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

She was joined by more than 80 people- friends, family and members of the community, for a 16-mile walk around Swindon on Sunday 26 October, raising awareness and money for the charity.

It is the third year Ms Boxall has organised the event, known as the Lost Hours Walk, in memory of her son.

Alex Boxall took his own life in 2019, aged 19 years old Credit: Family handout

Tracey told ITV West Country: "Alex showed us no signs whatsoever that this was his intention. He was on holiday with his friends and something that night just went wrong.

"I can't change it, but what I can do is change the lives of other people."

She added: "I've learnt from this tragedy that everybody is smiling but actually, underneath the smile, you don't know whether they're paddling under the water.

"You don't know what's going on in their lives. You don't know about their emotions or their family background or their struggles with jobs or friendships."

More than 80 people attended the Lost Hours Walk in memory of Alex Boxall Credit: Ryan Donovan

Holly Tingey, Alex's friend, said Tracey has helped her to have conversations with her friends, even if they feel challenging.

"Tracey's done so much for us all in a lot of ways," she said. "She brings us all together and she influences us to talk more."

She added: "She doesn't hold back on the conversations, and it's inspirational to see because I think for some people it can be really difficult to talk but it goes a long, long way."

It is the fourth year that Tracey Boxall (centre) has organised a Lost Hours Walk Credit: Ryan Donovan

Tracey's work has been supported by the Village Hotel and gym in Swindon, where she's met a lot of her support network.

Mark McMahon, its general manager told ITV West Country: "I think what's fantastic is you've not only got lots and lots of people from the local community- but members from the leisure club too which highlights the importance of health and wellbeing and how those members pull together.

"We love it. It's the social aspect of it as well. Our village green initiative gives guests, gym members and our teams the opportunity to support the things that are important to them."

CALM helps people find the support they need through a confidential and anonymous helpline as well as a web chat service offering advice and information to anyone who is struggling or in a mental health crisis.

This year, Tracey has so far raised more than £13,000 for the charity.

Simon Gunning, CEO at CALM, said Tracey is "like a force of nature".

He added: "Aside from the money, it's the fact that people are here talking about the subject. We know as a society we need to talk about it because talking about it confronts it. Talking about it prevents it."

How to get help if you have been affected by the issues mentioned in this article:

  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) - Helpline: 0800 58 58 58

  • MIND provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Information line: 0300 123 3393

  • Samaritans is an organisation offering confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone 116 123 (a free 24 hour helpline).

  • Shout is a 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone struggling to cope and in need of immediate help. Text SHOUT to 85258.