A MUM whose 18-year-old son killed himself has launched an inspirational campaign on the old Severn Bridge to stop people taking their own lives.

Sharon Davis, 45, teamed up with three Lydney friends to tie positive and supportive advice cards along the full length of both sides of the crossing.

And they plan to take the campaign to other bridges, as well train stations and car parks in a bid to keep safe people suffering with depression.

“I read somewhere that a woman had saved six lives doing something similar, so if this saves just one life it will have been worth it,” said Sharon.

The 600 laminated cards placed on the bridge carry positive messages as well as phone help line numbers.

“I understand that not everyone feels able to make that phone call, so we also urge people who are in a bad place to talk to someone they know,” added Sharon. “Don’t sit in silence – you need to talk.”

Sharon, whose four other children are aged 10 to 24, lost son Tyler in 2014, a former trainee chef with a “smile that lit up any room”, who had fallen into such a ‘dark place’ that he took his own life.

“I’ve done fundraising for mental health charities, but I just felt I needed to do more, so I’ve launched this card campaign with some friends.”

Despite never having flown and having a fear of heights, one of her fundraisers was a 10,000ft skydive, which became a 15,000ft skydive owing to dense cloud cover.

“It made me stronger and walking over the Severn Bridge to post the cards was no problem.

“I’ve also just volunteered for a night watch shift on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.”

Sharon was joined on the bridge by Kelly Humphreys – who lost her partner of 15 years last year to depression – Marina Willetts and Becki Price.

“We’ll be doing the river bridges and train station and car parks in Chepstow next and I’m planning in the long term to even go to London to do this. There’s a huge stigma about mental health, particularly among men, and there’s not enough information out there. I want to raise awareness, so people know help is there.”

Campaign colleague Kelly lost partner Mark shortly after the death of his mother.

“It rips a hole through the family. It tears us apart. But we’ve all got to carry on and fight.”

If you are struggling to cope, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123 (UK and Ireland), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website.

Sharon is also looking for more volunteers to help with the campaign. She can be contacted through her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sharon.davis.56481