I first joined Hymers Junior School in Mr Worthington’s (OH Staff 1965-86) class in 1976 and was there for a year before the family moved to Scotland. In the early 80’s, we returned to the Hull area and I rejoined Hymers until leaving Upper Sixth Form in 1986. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Hymers and try to go back whenever possible to walk around the grounds with a sense of pride and thanks for the education I was fortunate to have. 

In 2022, we lost our middle son Dylan to suicide. He was only 19 years old and had struggled with his mental health as a teenager. He was an incredible son, a wonderful brother to Joe (now 24) and Jesse (now 10), and we have so many happy memories of our time together.

The pain of losing someone in such circumstances never leaves us, but the memories drive us on to try and help prevent other young adults, and their families and friends, from going through the same suffering. 

Over the last couple of years we have been fundraising for two suicide prevention charities - Papyrus and Young Minds, both of whom do incredible work. 

This year I want to push myself further and so in April 2025, I will be running the London Marathon to raise as much money for Young Minds - the UK's leading charity championing the well-being and mental health of children and young people.

I hope to make Dylan proud - we miss him every day - and every penny raised will go directly towards helping support those young adults for whom life often feels overwhelming.

Together we can help save lives.

LONDON MARATHON 2025 - fundraiser for Young Minds Trust (in memory of Dylan James Barlow)

Richard Barlow, OH 1976-77 and OH 1980-86