Don’t camo yourself. Be proud of who you are

These powerful words from Daniel White, Vice Chairman of Lichfield Round Table 250, perfectly capture the spirit of vulnerability, resilience, and brotherhood at the heart of his story.

As part of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we’re honoured to share Daniel’s RT Story — a raw, emotional, and inspiring journey from rock bottom to remarkable personal transformation.

In 2018, Daniel faced homelessness, job loss, and the darkest depths of despair. On the brink of ending his life, an unexpected moment of kindness from a passing Tabler became the spark that reignited his hope and began his path to recovery.

This blog isn’t just a personal testimony — it’s a reminder of what Round Table stands for: compassion, community, and connection. You’ll read how Daniel rebuilt his life with the support of Round Table and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), found love and purpose, and went on to make a difference for others through national events, international travel, and significant fundraising for mental health.

If you’ve ever wondered what Round Table can truly mean to someone, this story is worth your time. It’s a message of hope for those struggling and a rallying cry for us all to look out for our mates, be proud of who we are, and never be afraid to ask for help.

Read it. Share it. Talk about it. This is what being a Tabler is all about.

“In 2018 I found myself facing a series of life events, loss of a relationship and my home. I was sleeping rough in my car homeless but working. I woke up one morning to bailiffs clamping my vehicle forcing myself onto the streets, approx 3 weeks later I lost my job, facing an ever growing uphill struggle I found myself homeless facing no access to my children and thinking there was no way out. Thinking that the whole world was against me, a failure to society, to my children and with no purpose I found myself on the wrong side of a railway bridge waiting for a train to ultimately die to suicide.

“However, a random Tabler passing by stopped, and took time to talk to me. Reminding me of life's ups and downs and that anything is able to be overcome with help. I was invited for food and drink and supported back onto my feet, I managed to get sheltered accommodation, and professional support through CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) they gave me help and advice and slowly I got back on my feet. I got another job, eventually looking towards the light I found that table was exactly what I needed. I got more involved eventually becoming a member of Barry RT 516.

“Soon devoting my evenings to table, and the COVID pandemic I was getting great pride out of helping others. Delivering medical goods and foods to them free of charge.

“I soon found myself in an apartment just about surviving. Hardly any furniture, a mattress on the floor for myself, a blow up mattress for my daughter and only a settee and TV in the living room. Approaching Christmas, Round Table was in full swing with our nightly Santa Sleigh collections I found great joy watching everyone enjoy our festive cheer. 

“Round Table had established that my Christmas joy was short lived. For two months I barely got by. Moving into my apartment made me chose between Christmas items for others, including my daughter, or furniture for my place. However the guys in Barry RT got wind of this and they went out of their way to deliver me a table and chairs to eat meals on, a bed and duvet for my daughter to sleep on, blings and curtains for each window of my house, and most touching, the overwhelming abundance of Christmas presents for my daughter.

“This was so touching for myself. I had always given everything I had to others but never asked for help.

“I received further help and counselling from CALM. I was proud of who I was, who I was becoming, and who I wanted to be in the future. Nothing was gonna stop me enjoying life!!

“I attended several functions nationally and instantly fell in love with national tabling. I attended my first overseas visit to the Netherlands the camaraderie and instant friendships i experienced cemented that. 

“Back home, attending my second national event, I met a Ladies Circle member. She took my eye, and after the weekend, I instantly knew she was the one. Another year of very active tabling, where both Harriet and I were attending loads of national and international activities together. I found myself living with Harriet, I had a new career, moved table going to join Lichfield 250 and truely thriving in everything I did. 

“Before long I had booked into the World Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa. The stage set, I knew exactly what was coming, an amazing week with friends, and an extra special climb up Table Mountain. Harriet, unaware, I proposed to the woman I love on (round) Table Mountain. I was very pleased that she said YES!

“My return to life from the brink was a huge struggle. Taking over 5 years. But here I am. Loving life. Loving round table, proud of who I was and who I have become. Roundtable has become my life. Devoted to helping others around me. 

“Don't camo yourself. Be proud of who you are. Help is always available and Table has always got your back. Charity starts at home. Look after those around you.”

Daniel White

Vice-Chairman

Lichfield 250

Thank you Daniel for the insight into your journey with Round Table. Daniel is an advocate for Round Table Southern Afica’s “Don't Camo Yourself” (DCY) movement, A campaign shared across SA Table’s aimed at empowering men to prioritise their well-being. 

You can follow the DCY facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574971453859 

You can also access the help that CALM the Campaign Against Living Miserably offer here: https://www.thecalmzone.net/ 

If you are looking to Ignite Your Social Life and want to be part of Round Table why not enquire with your local club today. Find your nearest group with our Table finder here:

https://www.roundtable.co.uk/table-finder