A TEACHING assistant who has twice had to perform life-saving medical practices on a family member who attempted suicide will run the London Marathon in aid of charity MIND.

Kade McConville, 19, who is a former pupil of St Julian’s School and now works there, is aiming to raise £2,000 for the charity while raising awareness of the difficulties of living with a mental illness.

A week before taking his GCSE exams, Mr McConville found himself helping to save a family member who had tried to commit suicide.

Three years on, he then found himself in the same situation.

Mr McConville, who has himself suffered from depression, said: “Putting a family member in the recovery position after they attempted suicide is something I never thought I would have to do – but it was necessary.

“It was the most mentally challenging period of my life at the age of 15 and I, for whatever reason, just got on with it. GCSEs were nothing compared to the test I faced that day.

“Then three years later I found myself again in that same position where I am performing medical practices on a family member, again through a suicide attempt.”

He said: “Mental illness is a terrible thing.

Depression and suicide have played such a momentous part in my life so far and it feels right to try to help others and turn it into a positive.”

To sponsor Mr McConville visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/kade