THE family of a Salisbury firefighter have started a fundraising campaign in his memory and hope to help others with mental health problems.

Miles Abel died on January 14 after taking his own life.

His wife Di is now raising money for mental health charity Mind.

She said: "After Miles took his life I did not want others to be let down by the lack of funds/awareness in the NHS and how desperately hard it is to get help.

"Shortly after Miles had died I saw a program on BBC One called Life after Suicide and in that they visited a house in London, which is the only one of its kind, called Maytree, a sanctuary for the suicidal, that you can just turn up at and get help when needed, no waiting list, I would like that to be available to those that need it in all towns."

She added: "Miles suffered with severe anxiety and although drugs mask the symptoms somewhat they are not the answer as nothing is resolved, talking and working through what has happened to make a person have these feelings is what is needed."

Miles, who was 48, was born in Salisbury and worked for Tintometer after leaving school.

He was also a retained firefighter for nearly 18 years at Salisbury Fire Station and in January 2004 he fulfilled his dream of becoming a full-time firefighter joining Dstl at Porton Down Camp Fire Station.

"Miles was a wonderful husband, father and friend," said Di. "He was well-known and liked by all that knew him. He enjoyed scuba diving and had dreams of retiring and opening his own diving school. "

On May 7, supporters gathered for a sponsored 16-mile walk from Salisbury to Amesbury and back to Salisbury. The event raised about £1,300 for Mind.

Miles' 10-year-old daughter Millie led the way. The event organised by Melanie Morland with the support of Di is part of a number of events that will take place throughout 2016.

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The next fundraising event is a quiz night and is being held at the Royal Oak, Devizes Road on June 17.

As well as raising money Di is keen to raise awareness of mental health, she added: "I can't put a higher enough importance on it , except to say it is a matter of life and death. No one should ever get to the point that they feel they can't continue."

A Just Giving page has been set up and has already reached about £1,200. To make a donation go to justgiving.com/Diana-Abel For tickets for the quiz night, which are selling fast, email Di on diabel507@aol.com or Mel at mel_morland@msn.com