‘My father took his life after leaving army – now I’m raising money to help’

A young man is raising funds for ex-servicemen after his father took his own life upon leaving the army.

November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and Connor Webb, 22, launched a fundraiser for a charity close to his heart: One is Too Many.

Connor said his father, James Alan Webb, 54, had struggled to adjust back to life after leaving the military and tragically took his own life in 2020.

He said: “It was a shock, as you can imagine. He spent 22 years as a sergeant major in the British army and then after that worked in private security in Afghanistan and Iraq, he even met Queen Elizabeth II.

“After that, he came home and just started working a normal life. He tried different jobs, but nothing worked out.

“For me, it’s just been really hard to come to terms with what happened. It just kind of hit me as a shock, and I went into action mode just to try to take my mind off it.

“It’s quite hard to do family events. He used to be there, and he used to be the most fun; he was the one that would make us stay up all night, and now that just doesn’t happen. So it’s just – I think it’s really affected a lot of my family.”

Conor has now decided to raise money to help others who may be facing a similar situation. 

He continued: “I’ve chosen to do a fundraiser for One is Too Many; it’s a Forces Employment Charity, and it supports veterans who have left the service, no matter the length of time that they’ve served. It helps people with mental health issues and can also help support veterans when they are looking for job opportunities.

“I’m doing the Boxing Day dip in Sunderland, which is going to be absolutely freezing. I’ll be doing it with my partner Eva, she is doing it for Women’s Aid so we’re both doing it together and just hoping to raise as much money as possible for both charities.”

Connor aims to raise £500 for the charity and is passionate about hitting this target.

He continues: “Another reason I’ve chosen One is Too Many is because it doesn’t just help veterans; it also helps families of those who have been in the military. It can be quite hard on family members.”

The charity offers group and individual meetings where ex-military members can seek support in settling back into normal life after leaving the forces.

Connor said: “When it happened, it was the day after my brother’s birthday. To have that happen the day before he went to have a celebration has just been really hard for him.

“And as well, for my mum, with my dad working in the army, she was basically a full-time mother, even money-wise it’s just been a struggle because we had basically two incomes, and then it’s just been a struggle ever since he had passed.”

On his fundraiser, Connor said the charity he is raising money for can be life-changing. He wrote: “Their work is crucial, as they aim to reduce the stigma around mental health and suicide while helping veterans reintegrate into society, offering job support and mental health resources.

“Every donation helps them continue their vital work and can make a real difference in preventing other families from experiencing the same heartbreaking loss that mine has.”

The money raised by Connor’s fundraiser will support veterans and their families. He hopes to achieve his goal as a tribute to his father.

If you are struggling and need support, contact Samaritans day or night, 365 days a year.

You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.