Bristol man runs 10k in memory of identical twin brother

Since the death of his twin, Gary has joined a running club for his health and wellbeing

An identical twin has said he hopes to raise awareness of mental health issues by running a 10K in memory of his brother.

Gary Stretton, 42, from Bristol, used to enjoy running and cycling with Steve, who took his own life in September last year.

Gary said Steve's death seems like both "a lifetime ago and yesterday".

He decided to run the 10k at the ABP Newport Marathon Festival on 28 April as a way of staying positive.

The father of two, who has joined a running club to improve his own health and wellbeing, said he used to speak to his twin "every day".

'Stigma attached'

"We didn't know what was wrong with Steve," said Mr Stretton.

"While he had spent some time in a mental health unit, he functioned as normal 99% of the time.

"He wasn't depressed but he let things get into his head. That's sadly what happened that day.

"People are now speaking more about mental health but I still think there is a stigma attached.

"We don't judge someone who dies of cancer and people don't understand the brain can get unwell and it can be a lot more complex than it appears, leading to people doing things they wouldn't normally do."

Steve took his own life in September last year

Steve was found by police who performed CPR, but nothing could be done to save him. His family stayed by his side in hospital until he died.

Since Steve passed away, Gary has said he does not take anything for granted.

"I'm just doing my best and trying to keep positive," he said.

"I used to have a lot of stress but since Steve died, it's spurred me on to reassess things and I have so much more gratitude now."

'Help someone else'

In taking on the 10k run, Gary said it was a great opportunity to talk about his brother and mental health.

"While I have my wife, sisters, my mum, and a lot of close friends, I still feel very lonely without Steve," he said.

"It's difficult to explain because you're used to having someone with you your whole life and then all of a sudden they're gone.

"I want to do more for people to remember Steve and hopefully in talking about him it might help someone else."