A WIDNES dad has transformed his life after being diagnosed with depression.

Brian Claydon has opened his own health and safety training business and now wants to raise awareness about mental health.

The 43-year-old believes there are many more men, like him, who are reluctant to seek medical help.

Brian, of Dykin Road, said: “It got to the point where I thought about suicide. Thankfully, my brilliant wife recognised the signs and insisted on taking me to the doctors.

“I am a very confident, intelligent man but I found there was a stigma attached to depression.

“I want to use my experience and knowledge to help people deal with depression.”

Former holiday rep Brian has worked in health and safety as an advisor and manager for 15 years.

“After months of support and taking stock of my life I decided to resign from my job and open my own training business,” he said.

Brian, who has two children Poppy, three, and Bobby, 10, is running a mini medics first aid course for youngsters and a paediatric course for nursery nurses over half term.

His business, Omnis Health and Safety Solutions on Widnes Road, offers a wide range of training.

“I am trying to look at mental health awareness courses,” said Brian. “As we expand we would like to offer training for people trying to get into work.

“I didn’t like myself for ages but now I’m back to being Brian.

“We men think we’re invincible. I want to talk about depression and be open about it. It could save someone’s life.”

His wife Lisa, 36, an operations manager at Alstom in Widnes, helps with administration.