THE recent death of extreme sports hero Dave Mirra has prompted a Hampshire chef/ businessman to stage a fund-raising concert this weekend called 'Smash the Stigma'.
The event at The Talking Heads, Southampton on Saturday night brings together pop punk bands Better Than Never, Sad Blood, G'Day ( a Green Day tribute), and Warning.
BMX legend Dave Mira shocked all who knew him last month when he shot himself outside his friend's home in North Carolina yet showed no signs of depression.
Concert organiser, Paul Bevan, 30, from Eastleigh, who was a keen BMX rider himself in the past, said: "The extreme sports world was devastated by the loss of one of its most decorated and talented individuals. I found the news of his death extremely hard to come to terms with. Although I did not know Dave Mirra on a personal level, I had spent years of my life following his career, achievements and personal goals. In my eyes Dave was, and always will be my role model, the reason I push myself to excel in everything I pursue.He was my absolute Hero!
"I, as with many others, was unaware of the battles that Dave was facing. Naive to the struggle of so many people facing similar personal issues, I endeavour to raise awareness of these conditions so that others do not have to suffer feelings of shame and stigma."
Paul, who is head chef at The Dog and Crook' in Braishfield, Romsey, has set up a not-for-profit music company Bevolution Music which will be working with 'Papyrus UK' and 'MIND Andover' in hosting the concert on Saturday from 7.30pm.
He urges people to come and help raise donations for "these two fantastic charities who work endlessly, as do many others, to prevent the loss of our heroes, friends and loved ones."
Both charities support the awareness and prevention of both depression and young suicide.
Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK; 1,556 people under 35 took their own life in 2014.
The charities are working to create a society free of the stigma surrounding suicide, with the resources to support young people
who may be struggling.
All the bands are performing for free and all money raised on the door - admission is just £6 for four bands, will go to the charities.
In addition, Paul has set up a Just Giving page: 'https://www.justgiving.com/bevolutionmusic'
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