- Rachael Swann
We are delighted to be supported by race car drivers Ian Gough and Tom Wrigley through their ‘Race to Save Lives’ initiative, which aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
Every year, over 6,000 people in the UK die by suicide with men accounting for three-quarters of these deaths. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, and the British GT Championship, with its predominantly male fanbase, offers an ideal platform to raise awareness and start important conversations.
By focusing on suicide prevention, Ian and Tom hope to encourage those struggling in silence to reach out, seek support, and realise that they are not alone. This campaign fits perfectly with our mission to empower individuals and communities to help prevent suicide by training, educating, and campaigning nationally. Each lap with our logo on their race car does more than just catch the eye – it normalises the conversation about suicide for thousands watching.
As the commentators speak about the importance of the cause, it starts a dialogue within the crowd, making suicide prevention a topic that can be addressed in the open, even in the high-octane world of motorsport. Just as drivers rely on teamwork and support, so too can we lean on each other when we are struggling. Although suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but of courage.
Ian Gough says,
“There’s too many people suffering in silence, afraid to talk, uncomfortable sharing, too proud to be vulnerable. So, I wanted to join the brilliant organisations out there helping tackle the stigma around mental health to prevent suicide.
The Race to Save Lives is a platform we designed to be activated through motorsport, taking our message track side, on TV. It’s our way of raising awareness and starting the conversation, reaching our audience through a shared passion and planting the seed that might save a life.
We’re really proud of the impact we’ve had, the money we’ve raised and the people we’ve met and are delighted to shine a light on the brilliant work of Grassroots Suicide Prevention.”
Rachael Swann, CEO of Grassroots Suicide Prevention says, “We know that recovery from suicidal thoughts is possible with timely intervention and support. We are incredibly proud to be supported through the ‘Race to Save Lives’ initiative. The innovative approach of bringing this vital conversation to new audiences through motorsport is not only inspiring but essential in reaching those who may otherwise feel isolated.”
Suicide prevention is everybody’s business, and we can all play a part in helping to save lives. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:
- Attend one of our training courses:
Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to recognise warning signs and intervene effectively. We’ve trained over 60,000 people and offer a range of courses in suicide prevention, mental health first-aid, and self-harm awareness. All profits go back into saving lives. - Download the Stay Alive app:
Our pioneering award-winning app is recommended by the NHS and helps keep people safe from suicide. Stay Alive designed for anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide or are concerned about someone. It is free to download and provides valuable tools and resources, including crisis support, a safety plan, and LifeBox to store life-affirming photos and videos. - Learn how to save a life:
Learn how to reach out and ask about suicide safely. Visit our Suicide Prevention Hub for conversation starters, guidance on things to avoid, and myth-busting. - Volunteer:
There are many ways to contribute your time to support suicide prevention. Whether by helping at events or offering your skills, you can be part of our team making a difference. - Fundraise or donate:
Organise your own fundraiser or join one of our events. From running marathons, bungee jumping, trekking the Sahara Desert, or even sky-diving, we have a range of events to choose from. With your support, we can do even more. We are careful with your money, with around 85p of every £1 going straight into our life-saving work.
Ian and Tom have helped show that The British GT Championship is more than a spectacle of speed; it can be a platform for meaningful change. Together we are on a mission to make a difference—one race, one conversation, one life at a time. So, let’s all get behind this incredible campaign and drive the message home: together, we can win the race to save lives.