'Losing Ashley underlines the importance of looking out for each other'
Chris NorthThis weekend, we lost a dear industry colleague – Ashley Close. He was just 43.
Ashley was an integral part of the Holiday Extras team since joining as a senior travel consultant in 2001, rising to become head of travel insurance partnerships. Although he had been working outside of travel in recent years, I know he still had many friends within our industry and the awful news of his passing will be deeply felt.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Ashley last year during an industry golf event in the Caribbean. Our bond grew beyond the trip as we both grappled with our mental wellbeing, prompting us to maintain check-in chats with each other whenever we could.
He was going to be part of my team at the forthcoming Just a Drop golf day next month. His loss, in such sad and sudden circumstances, shows just how vital it is to look out for one another.
Ashley and I spoke about our mental demons – everyone, no matter who they are, has them one way or another. Whether it’s the junior team member sitting beside you at your desk, your seemingly unfazed and fearless boss, or the industry colleague to whom you’ve been meaning to reach out.
Ashley leaves his cherished 10-year-old son, Zach, and our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family at this difficult time.
Travel may be well into its recovery and looking to the future post-pandemic, but the scars of the past three years won’t heal quickly. It is incumbent on each and every one of us to shed light on the formidable hurdles that mental health challenges pose.
Until a TTG article in May 2020, nobody other than a few very close people in my life knew I suffer greatly with my own mental health. We should shout loudly and boldly about the support that is available for those in need from every possible platform at our disposal.
Industry leaders must take a stand and be ready to normalise opportunities and pathways for people to open up, and create environments in which everyone feels protected. And at the other end of spectrum, a discreet chat can often wield an immense impact. So never be afraid to ask someone how they’re really feeling.
As we continue our work to boost awareness and support of mental health struggles within the industry, my colleagues and I working on TTG Media and Abta LifeLine’s Get Travel Talking campaign will be bringing industry figures together in the coming weeks.
We’re seeking to galvanise the industry and forge greater understanding in the workplace around this grievous, and often concealed, affliction.
Chris North is managing director of Vertical Systems, a trustee of Abta LifeLine and a Get Travel Talking champion.
*Kent Police issued an appeal for information on Friday (11 August) after Ashley was last seen at around 11.30am. The search was called off later that day after a body was found in a wooded area near Folkestone. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
You are not alone
For anyone who is struggling with their mental health, there is help out there.
- TTG and travel charity Abta LifeLine have helped fund industry mental health champions
- Further support can be accessed through LifeLine’s website: abtalifeline.org.uk
- If you need someone to talk to, contact the Samaritans: samaritans.org
- Mind also has support resources: mind.org.uk
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