THE shocking suicide of extreme sports hero Dave Mirra prompted Hampshire chef/ businessman Paul Bevan to stage a fund-raising concert last year at the Talking Heads called 'Smash the Stigma'.

Now he is set to do it all again - only "bigger and better" with an all-day music event in Southampton in support of two charities that work to prevent young suicide.

BMX legend Dave Mira shocked all who knew him when he shot himself outside his friend's home in North Carolina in 2016 yet showed no signs of depression.

Concert organiser, Paul Bevan, 32, 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 his parent's country restaurant, The Dog and Crook' in Braishfield, Romsey, set up the not-for-profit music company Bevolution Music which will be working with 'Papyrus UK' and 'MIND Andover' for the second year in hosting the charity music event in Southampton on Sunday, February 19 at 'The Talking Heads', from 2.30pm - 10.30pm.

Last year they raised just under £500 in four hours with four bands playing. This year's event boasts 12 bands and is open from 2.30pm till 10.30pm so Paul hopes to raise in excess of £1,000.

Paul said: "Further to last year's event I received such an overwhelming response that this year I have had to turn bands away due to there not being enough hours in the day to showcase them all! This year's event will for the first time be an all day charity music show with 12 bands from all over the UK all playing for the cause.

... (it) is on target to be huge!"

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.

Headliners for Smash the Stigma! Year 2 will be London alt rock band The City Is Ours.

Southampton bands include: Spindlefish; Our Propaganda; Glass Foundations; Warning, and Valensole. Other local bands include Hampshire's Kilkovec and Salisbury's The Sour Taste.

Tickets can be bought on the day or in advance online via the Bevolution Music social media Facebook page also via www.bevolutionmusic.co.uk