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Hundreds of people from around the world have paid tribute to a tragic yoga teacher who died while on a retreat.
Mat Turner’s family were made aware of his death on Saturday, August 24 at an event in Portugal, leaving them devastated and heartbroken.
The 48-year-old, from St Helens , dedicated his life to supporting and helping people who suffered from mental health problems after experiencing severe depression and bipolar himself.
His cousin Jo described Mat as “one of a kind” and said he could fill an entire room with joy and happiness.
She told the ECHO : “Mat was such an amazing human being caring, loving, honest and so much more.
“If you had the joy of meeting Mat he wasn’t someone you forgot. He made you feel special and couldn’t do enough for you.
“He filled the whole room with joy and happiness he just wanted everyone to be happy. He was just one of a kind.
“He helped so many people over the years supporting them with their darkest times with mental health.
“Mat for many years battled with mental health and in his later life he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
“He never hid this from the world he shared his story to help other people.
“Sadly he lost his battle with mental health and our entire family is heartbroken. We won’t be the same without Mat.”
Mat, who previously spent years working for Royal Mail, became a yoga teacher after giving away all his possessions and searched the internet for tips on “how to travel the world for free”.
He then signed up to a Workaway website and set off on adventures in Spain, Bulgaria, Cuba, Argentina and Greece, before getting the chance to join in with yoga classes and falling in love with the practice.
On his blog, Mat said that yoga gave him an alternative from medication, going on to organise retreats of his own to bring people together.
Mat’s passion for people, yoga and helping others is clear by the amount of tributes that have been posted by friends from all over the world on his Facebook page.
Cristal Gould said: “With a heavy heart, I say goodbye to a dear friend.
“Been processing this sad news since yesterday am…and its all been a blur since.
“I love you, Mat Turner. Your compassion, empathy and bold yet sensitive heart will always be remembered.
“Your playful, passionate spirit will never be forgotten! Thank you for all the laughs, your constant gracious support and friendship over these years.
“Thank you for bringing us together.”
Helplines and support groups
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
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Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
Erin Michelle posted: “I’m at a loss for words after hearing the news that my dear friend Mat Turner has left us.
“He was one of the most inspirational and positive people I have ever known.
“He had been a great past partner and even better friend. He looked out for more people and their best interests more than anyone and would go out of his way to do anything for anyone who needed it.
“We laughed together, cried together and had some of the best and most memorable moments.
“Thank you Mat for being an amazing soul and person and I’m so thankful I got to know you.
“You were loved by so many people and touched so many hearts.”
Christine Moghadam also said: “You were a special friend Mat, and although I’m still in a complete state of shock, I will never forget the first day we met, your story, your smile, your energy and your laugh.
“I learned so much from you. You were not only a special friend Mat, you were the backbone of Corc Yoga for me.
“Without your passion, support and energy I would have never met such amazing souls. You had such a beautiful heart.
“I know you fought hard Mat, and yet depression is real. In honor of you I promise to continue to share your story.
“You are well loved Mat. We will all miss you terribly.”
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After Mat’s death, his family set up a GoFundMe page in his memory in order to raise money for mental health charity MIND.
Jo said: “Mat had been supported by MIND throughout his battle with mental health and they helped him through times of darkness.
“We are waiting for Mat’s body to be brought home from Portugal so we can have a service of sorts but he wasn’t religious so instead of flowers or anything we would rather people donated to MIND in his memory.”
She added that Mat’s family planned to continue the work he had begun to help his legacy live on.
Jo said: “Mat was just a good, down to earth person and he didn’t deserve his struggles.
“He has such a rough time with his mental health but he wanted to help others and change perceptions of mental health which is why we want to talk about him and what he was trying to do.
“Mat will always be remembered and we hope that he will continue to inspire people and get them through.”
To read more about Mat or to donate to the GoFundMe page in his memory CLICK HERE .
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