Prince William.Photo: Stuart C. Wilson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Prince Williamhas teamed up with a man who nearly ended his own life to spread the message about mental health awareness and well-being.
Now Benjamin has written a memoir titledThe Stranger on the Bridge–andPrince William, who has met both men along with wifeKate Middleton, penned a touching foreword.
“I first met Jonny, along with Neil – the ‘Stranger on the Bridge’ – in 2016 when we sat overlooking the River Thames at Waterloo,” William wrote, according toHello!magazine. “We talked about the desperate day that brought them both together, and Jonny’s brave journey since then to raise awareness of what it is like to live with mental illness.”
Through the Heads Together initiative,Prince William– along with Kate, brother Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – has worked to combat stigmas surrounding mental health.
“Mental health is not a dirty word,” William said in the foreword. “But I have seen time and again how not seeking help when it all seems too much can impact the rest of our lives.”
William and Kate met with Benjamin and Laybourne in March 2016, when they recalled the fateful day that brought the men together.
Benjaminpreviously told PEOPLEhe reached his lowest point after he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder (a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar).
“I gave up, I thought I’d never get better. I was embarrassed and ashamed and a burden on my family and friends,” he said.
Benjamin, now a mental health campaigner, praisedPrince Williamfor making the issues surrounding mental well-being a focus of his royal life.
“To have a young royal who’s willing to really take a look at this taboo is hopefully going to break it!” Benjamin told PEOPLE. “It’s an area people don t like to discuss. Tomorrow is for them to explore and hear our experiences and what we are doing to raise awareness as we try and engage people in this area. Having their support will bring that message to an even wider audience.”
Neil Laybourn (left) and Jonny Benjamin.
Prince Williamalso recentlywrote the foreword of another bookabout a subject close to his heart. Earlier this year,The Last Elephants– about the important of protecting the animals – was released with an opening from the royal.
“I’m not prepared to be part of a generation that lets these iconic species disappear and have to explain to our children why we lost this battle when we had the tools to win it,” he wrote.
source: people.com
