'I've been given a second chance at life'

Michael Gamble will be taking on a series of fundraising challenges for Movember

A student who tried to take his own life wants to raise awareness of issues around male mental health and provide a message of hope for anyone who feels invisible.

Michael Gamble, 25, said he had struggled with his mental health for his whole life, compounded by his family experiencing homelessness when he was a teenager and the loss of his mother.

When he woke up in hospital after attempting to take his own life earlier this year, the University of Gloucestershire student said he felt like he had been "given another chance to do something meaningful".

He is now preparing to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for men's health charity Movember.

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by mental health issues BBC Action Line has put together a list of organisations which can help.

Mr Gamble said he had "felt quite alone" when he was struggling with his mental health and did not feel he could talk to people or get help.

However, he said the support of his siblings when he was recovering in hospital helped him to move forward.

"It was being told that I was too important to go and that I'd been given a second chance, so do something with it," he said.

The student said he was in the process of recovering - learning more about medication, the importance of therapy and "the power of conversation".

He is planning a series of fundraising challenges for Movember, which includes running a marathon around Wales' highest mountain, Snowdon, and a charity night hosted with his rugby club.

Movember is known for asking people to grow a moustache during November, with money raised from sponsors going towards men's health projects around the world.

Michael Gamble ran the entire length of Britain in 2024 for Movember

Mr Gamble said his goal was not just to fundraise, but also to create a movement of openness among young men.

"I want to do a season of mental health – we do it in November, but mental health is an always thing.

"Every day's a marathon, so if we can say to the everyday hero 'we see you', I think it could go such a long way," he said.

Anne-Cecile Berthier, from Movember, said Mr Gamble's story was "a powerful reminder" of why the charity existed.

"We're incredibly grateful to have people like him turning personal pain into purpose, sparking conversations, breaking down stigma, and helping change the future of men's health," she added.