A 25-year-old man, originally from Devon but now residing in Western Australia, tragically took his own life, as revealed in an inquest. Daniel Willis, a former resident of Plymouth and Tavistock, passed away in July 2024 near Perth. Tributes flowed in for Daniel, a skilled footballer associated with Tavistock Community Football Club and Plymouth Argyle youth academy trials. To support a local mental health charity, a charity football match is being coordinated.
Having relocated to Australia in 2022 and working as an engineer, Daniel was reported missing by friends before being found deceased by a park ranger outside the city. An inquiry by Australian authorities indicated that Daniel had been prescribed medication for anxiety and depression shortly before his demise, with the substances discovered at therapeutic levels in his system. Despite no prior mental health issues in UK medical records, the coroner concluded his death as suicide.
In memory of Daniel, his brother organized a charity football match that raised funds for Mind, aiming to raise awareness about mental health issues. The DW Cup, following a successful event last year, is scheduled for May 16, supporting Man Down UK.
Carl Willis, Daniel’s brother, expressed the purpose of the charity match as a means to support men in opening up about their mental health struggles, encouraging donations for the cause. The event will take place at Tavistock Crowndale pitch at 2 pm on Saturday, May 16.
For more information on the match, additional details can be accessed through a provided link. Emotional support is also available through the Samaritans helpline, email, branch visits, or their website.