Scots nurse pays tribute to ‘loving’ dad, 48, after tragic death to run ultra-marathon in his memory

A Scottish nurse is honouring her late father by embarking on a 60km ultra-marathon to raise awareness for men’s mental health. Imogen Sharp, a 25-year-old ICU nurse, lost her father, David, to suicide when she was just nine years old. Describing him as a “very happy, loving, generous man,” Imogen revealed that her father was battling inner turmoil he never shared before his tragic death at the age of 48.

Imogen, from Paisley, shared that her father’s passing was preventable and hopes to shed light on men’s mental health issues through her marathon run on November 23 as part of Movember. She expressed her motivation for the challenging 60km run, symbolizing the 60 men globally who lose their lives to suicide every 60 seconds. Imogen aims to push herself to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about men’s mental health, breaking the stigma surrounding seeking help.

Reflecting on her father’s experience, Imogen highlighted the societal expectations that often hinder men from expressing their emotions and seeking support when needed. She emphasised the importance of reaching out and checking in on loved ones, as a simple gesture can make a significant difference in preventing tragedies like her father’s passing.

To support Imogen’s fundraising efforts or seek help, donations can be made online, and the Samaritans helpline is available 24/7 for those in need of assistance. Imogen’s dedication to running the ultra-marathon in memory of her father serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of mental health struggles and the importance of destigmatizing conversations around men’s mental well-being.

In summary, Imogen Sharp’s initiative to run an ultra-marathon in memory of her late father, David, who tragically died by suicide, highlights the significance of raising awareness for men’s mental health issues. By sharing her personal story and advocating for open conversations and support, Imogen aims to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health, emphasizing the preventable nature of suicide through timely interventions and supportive networks.