A man whose body was found on the outskirts of Grimsby has been identified as a popular mental health campaigner who had dedicated his life to helping others.

Tragically, former oil worker Phil Merrison, 51, had bravely made his own personal battles public in a bid to break down the stigma around mental health.

The dad-of-two from New Waltham had founded a support group for those suffering mental health issues, particularly working in the oil industry, which he called A Platform to Talk.

In October last year he also published an inspiring video urging people to find help if they were struggling.

(Image: Jon Corken/GrimsbyLive)

Mr Merrison had spoken openly about how his own personal struggles and a previous attempt to take his own life.

But after the incident, he had become a keen ironman competitor, set up his own health and safety business, found new love and appeared to be winning his personal battle to better health.

He was a well-known and popular figure in the local sporting community where he had represented Grimsby Rugby and Golf Clubs, local football and cricket teams and was an active member of both Wolds Vets runners and Cleethorpes Tri Club.

(Image: Jon Corken)

He recently travelled to Spain, America and Italy for gruelling ironman competitions, in which competitors run a 26-mile marathon, swim more than two miles and cycle 112 miles, to raise awareness about mental health and money for mental health charities.

He described the turnaround as a personal ‘resurgence’ and said he was committed to helping break down the stigma of mental health in the workplace.

Tragically, on Friday Mr Merrison’s body was found in woodland near East Ravendale on the outskirts of Grimsby and just a few miles from his home in New Waltham.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene after concerns from members of the public.

(Image: GNP)

Mr Merrison’s body was recovered from the area and a report is expected to be sent to the Coroner’s Office in Cleethorpes. There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

Mr Merrison’s family, including his partner, ex-wife, two grown up children, brother and parents, who also live in New Waltham, have been informed of the tragedy.

Mr Merrison’s daughter is an accomplished dancer and his son had been a promising footballer.

A former Toll Bar Academy pupil and graduate from the University of Hull, Mr Merrison had worked for oil companies ConocoPhillips and Total, including at the Lindsey Oil Refinery.

(Image: Submitted photo)

He set up A Platform to Talk after taking redundancy from the industry and also established his own health and safety company.

Last year he produced a video published on Facebook for World Mental Health Day which was widely shared and received huge support from friends and colleagues.

He wrote: “Tomorrow is world mental health day which is focusing on suicide awareness and suicide prevention.

“Here is my story, journey and contribution to raise awareness, inspire others and give them hope that things can and do get better. I am now using my experience and knowledge to raise awareness, break down the stigma, inspire, train and educate others about the cruel illness that is mental illness.

“Please watch and share my video to help others who may be in distress.”

(Image: Grimsby Telegraph)

And in a blog post on A Platform to Talk, Mr Merrison said he had chosen to open up with the encouragement of his son and daughter.

He said: “It has been a difficult journey for me at times and I will have to manage my mental health in the future.

“I have many friends who suffer with mental illness who encompass a broad section of society. We are slowly breaking down the stigma associated with mental illness, more people are opening up and talking about it which is fantastic.

“People are now realising that it is ok to not be ok. I always say if its good enough for Prince Harry and Prince William to open up about their mental health then it is good enough for me to open up.”

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Mr Merrison's family have said they will update friends and family with funeral arrangements and further information will be released soon.