Champion Your Story: Don’t Camo Yourself

This year’s National P

resident’s campaign, Champion Your Story, is more than a theme - it’s a challenge. A reminder that every Tabler carries a story worth telling. Some are funny, some inspiring, some full of adventure and friendship. And some, like mine, are difficult to share. But often, those are the stories that matter most.

A few years ago, I reached the lowest point of my life. I had lost my job, had nowhere stable to live, and felt like I no longer had a place in the world. I was sleeping in my car, trying to hold everything together while quietly falling apart. Eventually, the weight of it all became too much, and I attempted to take my own life.

That’s not something I share lightly. I don’t say it for sympathy. I say it because I know there are men reading this who understand exactly what it feels like to smile, joke, show up - and still be drowning inside.

For me, the turning point came through people. Through conversation. Through support. Through Round Table.

Round Table gave me something I didn’t realise I was missing: belonging. It gave me mates, purpose, and a reason to keep turning up. It reminded me that even in the darkest moments, you don’t have to walk alone.

Life has taken me on an unexpected journey since then. Through Table, I travelled to South Africa, stood on Table Mountain, and asked Harriet to marry me. From the darkest chapter of my life came one of the brightest. And it was on that same journey that I discovered a message that hit me straight in the heart:

Don’t Camo Yourself.

Born in Round Table Southern Africa, Don’t Camo Yourself is more than a slogan - it’s a call to action. Camouflage is designed to hide things, to blend in, to disappear. Too many men do exactly that with their mental health. We hide behind humour, behind being “fine”, behind work and responsibility. We tell ourselves speaking up is weakness, when in truth, it’s strength.

Don’t Camo Yourself is about breaking that silence. It’s about encouraging real conversations, proper check‑ins, and friendships where “Are you alright?” is followed by “No, really - are you alright?”

That’s why I’ve been championing the movement within RTBI. Because this matters.

CALM - the Campaign Against Living Miserably - exists because suicide remains one of the biggest issues facing men in the UK. Around 125 people die by suicide every week. That’s 18 people every day. One every 90 minutes. CALM estimates around 200,000 suicide attempts each year.

These aren’t statistics. They’re sons, brothers, husbands, dads, mates - Tablers. Men who might have stood beside us at a social, helped on a Santa Sleigh, or quietly scrolled through a WhatsApp chat hoping someone would notice they weren’t themselves.

After three years of work, I’m proud that the official RTBI Don’t Camo Yourself polos, jackets, coins, pins, mugs, and donation links are now available. They’re not just merchandise — they’re conversation starters. Every item helps raise awareness and funds for CALM, supporting the life‑saving work they do.

For me, this has never been about selling kit. It’s about creating moments that might save a life. If one person asks, “What’s that about?” then the message has done its job.

I’m still here because people cared. Because someone noticed. Because Round Table gave me connection when I needed it most. Now, as an Area Chairman, a Lichfield Tabler, a husband, a dad, and someone who has stood far too close to the edge, I want to use my story to help others step back from theirs.

This is me championing my story - not because it’s perfect, but because it might help someone else find the courage to champion theirs.

You can visit the store here:https://area35calm.sumupstore.com/

Don’t Camo Yourself.

Be seen. Be heard.

And never walk alone.