A new foundation has been created to support young adults with mental health challenges in memory of Danny Cram, a 25-year-old Jersey skater who tragically took his own life in December after struggling with his mental health. The Danny Cram Foundation has already raised nearly £13,000, aiming to provide much-needed mental health resources for young people and their families on the island.
Danny’s family and friends describe him as a kind, courageous individual with a personality that “was unmatched.” His mother, Louise Cram, fondly remembered him as someone who had an extraordinary spirit. Close friend Eddie da Rocha shared that Danny was “outgoing” and deeply compassionate, always willing to listen and help others, even when he struggled himself. “He liked helping others more than himself,” said Eddie, reflecting on Danny’s generosity.
The foundation’s creation stems from a realization that Jersey lacks adequate mental health support for young adults. Eddie da Rocha stressed the need for better tools and services to help those facing mental health challenges, describing it as a bigger issue than many people realize.
The Skating Community’s Response
Danny’s death deeply affected the local skating community. Skateboard Jersey (SJ), the island’s governing body for skateboarding, paid tribute to Danny and acknowledged the need for change. Phil Minty, a member of SJ, explained that the loss of Danny had a profound impact on the community. “At first there was an overwhelming sense of grief,” he said, adding that the incident underscored the need for better mental health support.
In response, SJ is working alongside the Ben Raemers Foundation, a UK charity that was established after the suicide of professional skater Ben Raemers in 2019. The Ben Raemers Foundation aims to support the skateboarding community in addressing mental health concerns. Susie Crome, co-founder of the Ben Raemers Foundation, plans to visit Jersey to assist the local community. She will lead workshops on suicide first aid and how to have conversations around suicide, providing education on mental health and suicide prevention.
The mission of the Danny Cram Foundation, alongside its collaboration with the Ben Raemers Foundation, is to equip the skateboarding community with the knowledge and skills to better understand and address mental health, ultimately fostering a supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
