Thousands of pounds has already been raised in James Walker's memory.
A personal trainer who battled his own personal demons is embarking on a mental health fundraising mission in memory of a “jolly” close friend he lost last week.
Brad Thornton, 24, has been friends with James Walker, 23, since their school days for 12-13 years. He was left shocked by the news that James recently took his own life, and wants to encourage others to speak out if they need help.
He described James as a “big, friendly, jolly giant” and he’ll always remember him in the gym “with a big smile on his face, with 50kg dumbbells in each hand, repping them above his head just for fun”.
Brad told The Lincolnite how he also battled with his own personal demons, before becoming a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness in Lincoln around a year ago. He said his work helped him turn a corner.
He said: “I thought this would be a huge challenge and I needed to draw attention to mental health.
“I’ve been struggling for years and going in and out of doctors, and getting blood tests. People thought in that time that I was a big jolly giant, just like they did Jim, but I couldn’t have been more depressed. I had so much anxiety, so I know exactly what it’s like to be there.”
Brad said the job has changed his life and he is currently studying life coaching and hypnotherapy through a tutor called Rob Marklew in Lincoln.
Through the help of Rob, and another life coach called Mark Marsland, Brad said he went from “one of the quietest introverted people” to “full on out there, happy, confident and positive”.
Charity Challenge
Brad will climb Scafell Pike with a rowing machine on his shoulders before rowing 10,000 metres at the top in James’ memory.
On November 30, Brad will climb England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike with a rowing machine on his shoulders in James’ memory, and friends have already expressed an interest in joining him on the challenge.
Once he reaches the top, he then plans to row 10,000 metres before shouting “louder than anyone else from the top of the mountain that we need to start opening up”.
Brad is now fully focused on the challenge ahead and in the future he wants to speak publicly about life coaching to inspire others.
He added: “I wanted something to push myself with, mind over matter. You’ve really got to get your head in it and you can push through.
“It’s about pushing your mind mentally to get there and achieve it. At times I will feel beaten up, fatigued, and down but know with my head and people around me I can push through and get to the top.
“I feel strongly about it and want to let people know it’s okay to talk and that people will be happy to listen. Always check the person on your left and right and it is okay to feel this way and to reach out when you need help. It’s so easy to change someone’s day with such little things.”
Brad has already raised over £2,450 towards his £50,000 target for the mental health charity Mind.
James in a huddle with his teammates during his time at Lincoln Rugby Club.
James was a popular man both on and off the pitch at Lincoln and Scunthorpe Rugby Club.
Lincoln held a minute’s silence in memory of their former player, who played for the club from junior up to senior first team level, before the home match against North Hykeham on Saturday, November 2.
He also impressed at his new club Scunthorpe in National Two (North) this season and he left a lasting impression on both clubs.
Jack Kinsey, who played with James for around five years at Lincoln, said: “James, Jimmy, Big Jim.. you were always one of the loudest in the changing room, it didn’t matter what you were talking about that day, you’d have us all in stitches.
“On the pitch your presence was felt hugely, you were incredibly talented and one of the players people always wanted on their side. You were just a great all round guy and you’ll be hugely missed by everyone who knew you.
“There will be a Jimmy shaped void in the changing room and at the bar but you will always be remembered! It was a pleasure to call you a friend and a team mate. From Jack Kinsey and all the boys at Lincoln Rugby Club.”
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The 32-year-old man and 30-year-old woman arrested in the murder probe of an 11-year-old boy in Lincoln have both been released on police bail, without any charges.
The man was arrested on suspicion of murder and the woman on suspicion of manslaughter after an incident at a house on Geneva Street on St Giles in Lincoln.
Police were called to the house at 10pm on Friday night, January 22.
The 11-year-old boy was found unwell at the scene and was taken to hospital for treatment.
He was pronounced dead a short time later.
At the time Lincolnshire Police said the death was unexplained and it was treated as murder.
The man and the woman arrested at the weekend were released on police bail on Monday evening.
Lincolnshire Police said in a statement on Monday night:
“Once again, we’d like to remind people that this is an active investigation and that an 11-year-old boy has sadly lost his life.
“Speculative comments are not only deeply upsetting to those involved but can potentially undermine our investigation.
“If you have any information that can help, call 101 or email [email protected] quoting incident 472 of January 22.”
Ten people from Boston have been given fines for breaching COVID-19 regulations by driving dangerously in supermarket car parks.
Officers were called after three separate reports of dangerous driving in the car parks of Lidl and Tesco in Wyberton Fen, as well as on Marsh Lane Industrial Estate in Boston.
All three incidents took place and were reported to police between 5pm and 6pm on Sunday, January 24, though it is unsure if they were connected at all.
When officers arrived, the drivers were seen doing donut manoeuvres and racing in the snow.
A total of 10 people were given £200 fines for breaking lockdown guidelines, but this will be reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days, due to all being first time offenders.
As well as the COVID-19 fines, two of the vehicles were also seized as a result of being uninsured, with drivers reported.
A traffic offence report was also submitted after one driver was seen to be driving not just dangerously but out of control.
Inspector Fran Harrod of Lincolnshire Police said: “We would like to thank the public for bringing these incidents of dangerous driving to our attention.
“This is not only extremely dangerous to those taking part but to others in these areas.
“While we continue to engage and explain with the public, this was a blatant breach of the restrictions which will not be tolerated.”
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