'I know 34 people who have taken their own lives'

Andrew Jenkins, a dedicated film producer, has embarked on a heartfelt mission to address a pressing issue that affects many lives: suicide. A decade ago, he began a list of names, starting with 19 individuals he knew who had tragically taken their own lives. Over the years, that list has grown to an alarming total of 34. This painful reality has motivated Andrew to take action, and he has decided to sell his cherished Aston Martin to fund a feature film that aims to shed light on the devastating impact of suicide on those left behind. He believes that by sharing these stories, he can help spark important conversations about mental health and potentially save lives. Andrew reflects on the complexity of suicide, stating, 'I have known people who appeared to be the life of the party, only to go home and end their lives that very night. This shows just how serious this issue is, and we must do something about it. ' To bring this film to life, Andrew has teamed up with his friend and filmmaker Peter Watkins-Hughes. Together, they have previously collaborated on several projects, including the BAFTA award-winning film A Bit Of Tom Jones. However, they both agree that tackling the subject of suicide is their most challenging endeavor yet. Peter expresses his concerns, saying, 'We were really nervous about how people might react. We didn’t want anyone to think we were exploiting this sensitive topic or that making a film could somehow encourage others to take that step. ' They have sought guidance from mental health charities and have received tremendous support from families who have lost loved ones to suicide. Their goal is to create a film that serves as a catalyst for conversation, hoping that it will prevent others from considering such a tragic choice. One of the individuals who has provided valuable feedback on the script is Sue Davies, a mother who lost her son Daniel to suicide in May 2024. Sue reached out to Andrew after hearing about the film and offered her support. She read a draft of the script and shared her own experiences to help shape the narrative. 'Every day, I wake up thinking about Daniel, asking myself why and what if. It feels like I have failed him,' Sue shares. 'I don’t truly live anymore; I just survive. If this film can make even one person think about the pain they would leave behind for their loved ones, then it will be worth it. ' Andrew understands the power of conversation in preventing suicide. He recalls a time when a close friend was struggling and felt hopeless. They spent hours talking, and eventually, that friend found a way through his dark times. Now, he is happily married with a child, and he often tells Andrew how close he was to losing everything. This experience reinforces Andrew's belief that there is always hope, and he is determined to raise the necessary funds to begin filming in March. Recently, Andrew organized a fundraising event at a local pub, which was a lively night filled with music and laughter. However, the evening took a tragic turn when he learned that one of the attendees, a man in his 50s who seemed to be enjoying himself, went home and took his own life later that night. This heartbreaking news left Andrew feeling guilty and questioning whether they were doing the right thing. Nevertheless, he has received an outpouring of support from the community, reminding him of the importance of their mission. Peter acknowledges the difficulty of this project but emphasizes its necessity. 'We want to ensure that we do justice to this subject and create a positive outcome from it,' he states. 'Our aim is to discuss this issue in a way that encourages people to share their thoughts when they are in crisis. This film is not a solution, but it is a starting point for dialogue, helping society engage better with those who are struggling.