Jonny Benjamin and Neil Laybourn's journey together began in 2008 when Neil talked Jonny out of taking his own life by jumping from the edge of Waterloo Bridge in London. Jonny had just been diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression and was extremely unwell. Neil’s interaction saved his life but the two were soon separated when the police intervened and took Jonny away to be sectioned.
Six years later in 2014, Jonny launched a campaign on Twitter to find and thank the man who had stopped him taking his own life - #FindMike - it became a global news campaign that reached over 300 million people around the world and was successful in reuniting the two strangers within a matter of weeks from the campaign being launched.
What followed was an emotional meeting and the beginning of a journey where both men united to campaign around the issues of both mental health and suicide, which is now the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. The story of their journey was made into a TV documentary, 'The Stranger on the Bridge', which aired on Channel 4 in 2015 and had a meaningful impact on millions of viewers. The documentary has won a number of awards and is currently being aired internationally.
After a private meeting with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge in March this year, the pair were invited by the Royal Foundation to represent the ‘Heads Together’ charity in running for the 2017 London Marathon.
Jonny and Neil are 2017 London Marathon Fundraisers for the Royal Foundation and Heads Together charity. Both are also ambassadors for major national charity Rethink Mental Illness.
Six years later in 2014, Jonny launched a campaign on Twitter to find and thank the man who had stopped him taking his own life - #FindMike - it became a global news campaign that reached over 300 million people around the world and was successful in reuniting the two strangers within a matter of weeks from the campaign being launched.
What followed was an emotional meeting and the beginning of a journey where both men united to campaign around the issues of both mental health and suicide, which is now the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. The story of their journey was made into a TV documentary, 'The Stranger on the Bridge', which aired on Channel 4 in 2015 and had a meaningful impact on millions of viewers. The documentary has won a number of awards and is currently being aired internationally.
After a private meeting with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge in March this year, the pair were invited by the Royal Foundation to represent the ‘Heads Together’ charity in running for the 2017 London Marathon.
Jonny and Neil are 2017 London Marathon Fundraisers for the Royal Foundation and Heads Together charity. Both are also ambassadors for major national charity Rethink Mental Illness.
Feedback from recent talks:
David Wiseman, Royal Foundation
I thought your talk was incredible. I watch a lot of talks (and do a number myself) and yours was certainly one of the most moving and poignant I have ever listened to - don't change it!
Jane Daniels, HSBC
It really was a moving and inspirational talk, which I know would have resonated with so many people.
Holly Clapton, Société Générale
Thank you for both for sharing your truly inspiring story with us, it was an absolute honour to have you with us today. I know that my colleagues and I have been touched by your story and all of the work you are all doing to help others combat metal health concerns. It is very admirable.
Liz Scott, NHS
You touched our hearts and your words will stay with us forever. We brought our service users along from the hospital and they were blown away by your journey, they have so much admiration for you both, and we all choked back tears throughout your talk.
Sally Boyle, Goldman Sachs
You have made a lasting impression on Goldman Sachs – I have had many colleagues tell me that your talk was the best that they have ever attended and as a result, many have volunteered to be Mental Health First Aiders and champions for mental wellbeing in their businesses.
You are both having an extraordinary impact on mental health.
David Wiseman, Royal Foundation
I thought your talk was incredible. I watch a lot of talks (and do a number myself) and yours was certainly one of the most moving and poignant I have ever listened to - don't change it!
Jane Daniels, HSBC
It really was a moving and inspirational talk, which I know would have resonated with so many people.
Holly Clapton, Société Générale
Thank you for both for sharing your truly inspiring story with us, it was an absolute honour to have you with us today. I know that my colleagues and I have been touched by your story and all of the work you are all doing to help others combat metal health concerns. It is very admirable.
Liz Scott, NHS
You touched our hearts and your words will stay with us forever. We brought our service users along from the hospital and they were blown away by your journey, they have so much admiration for you both, and we all choked back tears throughout your talk.
Sally Boyle, Goldman Sachs
You have made a lasting impression on Goldman Sachs – I have had many colleagues tell me that your talk was the best that they have ever attended and as a result, many have volunteered to be Mental Health First Aiders and champions for mental wellbeing in their businesses.
You are both having an extraordinary impact on mental health.