To their families they will forever be "the lost boys" - the sons and brothers who tragically took their own lives after becoming overwhelmed by depression.

But the heartbreaking losses have also focussed attention on why so many young men are committing suicide, which led to the Kentish Gazette's End the Stigma mental health campaign.

Some of the grieving parents have also been motivated to highlight the issue and work with young people and organisations like schools, colleges and universities.

Now they are organising a football match and family day next month to raise funds and awareness of the charity, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

The charity match and day - called The Lost Boys - is being organised by Jackie Kavanagh from Whitstable whose son Liam took his own life aged 31 after battling with depression.

It takes place on Sunday, September 1, at the Tankerton Football Club ground at the Seaview Holiday Park.

“We want to make it a special day which will not only be fun but have a serious message about the issue,” said Jackie, who works in a children’s respite centre.

“It will be a mixed match of boys and girls with a team from Tankerton FC taking on a team of family members from the Kavanaghs and their friends.

“Tankerton FC have been very good to us, providing their ground and even a winner’s trophy and medals.

“But we would still like to get some more support with things like raffle prizes and children’s entertainment.”

Among the other “lost boys” featured on the charity day poster is Faversham supermarket worker William Woledge who committed suicide in 2015.

Ever since, his mother Jenny Woledge has dedicated her life to raising awareness of the issue, particularly among young men.

She gives workshops called safeTALK in schools, colleges, universities and with security staff.

Jenny has also started the Canterbury branch of the survivors of bereavement by suicide group, known as SOBS, which helps support grieving families.

“The charity match and day is a great idea and hopefully will also raise awareness of what is a very serious issue,” she said.

The other "lost boys" featured are James Allfrey from Paddock Wood and Ryan Cooley from Gillingham whose parents have also been working with Jackie on putting on the special day.

CALM is one of the country’s leading movements addressing suicide, which is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK.

The group also supports those bereaved by suicide, through the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP).

• Anyone who can help Jackie can call her on 07848 941766.