World Mental Health Day: Why Talking Matters
World Mental Health Day is a time to shine a light on the importance of mental wellbeing, to encourage open conversations and to remind people that support is available when they need it most.
At Snowsport England, we are committed to creating a safe, positive and supportive environment for everyone in our community. This year, we are sharing the story of the Dendle family, whose son George sadly died in May 2026. By bravely speaking about her family's experience, Lisa Dendle hopes to encourage others to talk to family about their mental health, recognise when someone may be struggling and seek support before reaching crisis point.
Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or sporting ability. Through sharing personal stories and raising awareness, we can help reduce stigma, promote understanding and ensure no one feels they have to face difficult times alone.
If you or a young person you know could benefit from support, Snowsport England offers free counselling sessions for young people aged 8 to 21. You can find out more in the resources section below.
In memory of George Barnaby Dendle
“In May 2026 we lost George to suicide in New York. A truly beautiful and loving son, brother, grandson and friend taken from us too soon. George was a beacon of light and love for everyone he met in his short, successful life and his death has left his family beyond heartbroken.
George was also a competitive ski racer and passionate coach who took much joy from watching others learn to love the sport. Some of George’s happiest times were spent on the dry and indoor slopes of the UK and the mountains of Europe and Canada, racing for Surbiton High School Boys’ Prep, Reeds School, Sandown Park Ski Race Club and Leeds Snowriders.
Determined to follow in his sister, Mollie’s footsteps, and keen to resurrect the Boys’ Prep ski race team, at a young age George successfully canvassed 3 other boys and persuaded the PE Department at Surbiton High to allow the boys’ team to train with the girls at Sandown Park in Esher and a new era of ski racing was born for the Prep.
From the age of seven, until heading off to University in Leeds in 2019, George was a well-known and popular face on the circuit – SATIPS, ESSKIA, LSERSA, Surrey Schools, British School Boys, Canada Cup, the English Alpine Championships in Bormio and the British Championships in various alpine locations. He also co-captained Reed’s Ski Race Team during its most successful years in 2018 and 2019, scooping nearly every title on both dry slope and snow available! An achievement that George was immensely proud of.
After the challenges of ACL surgery and the pandemic, George represented Leeds Snowriders at the BUSC, contributing to further victory. After graduation, and until he moved to New York in 2025, George returned to the British Schoolboys races in Wengen, coaching both Reed’s and Sherbourne schools; a role that he relished and continued his connection with the sport he loved.
George’s infectious, cheeky smile and his boundless energy lit up every space he entered, and so many of his friends, young and old, have benefited from George’s selfless love and kindness.
George had the biggest heart and, although he enjoyed the popularity that his personality brought, he made it his mission to encourage and lift up anyone who was struggling or unhappy. He was the epitome of a team player in a sport that also requires individual focus and George’s unique ability to unite and bring together his racing colleagues had a huge impact on others and will remain George’s greatest and proudest legacy.
In the UK suicide is tragically the leading cause of death for people under 35, with recent data showing a suspected suicide rate of 5.8 per 100,000 for ages 10 to 24. While young males still account for the majority of youth suicides, in recent years, researchers have flagged that the rate of self-harm and the rate of suicide among young women and girls under 25 has seen a distinct upward trend.
Statistics show that over one-third had never been in contact with mental health services prior to their death and, all too often, the family is the last to know that there is a concern and are denied the opportunity to intervene. Sadly, George fell into this category and the impact of his death on his family has been truly devastating.
Whilst it is encouraging that the conversation surrounding mental health in young people is getting louder, if we are to halt this pandemic in its tracks, it is vital that it is also normalised to seek professional help. It has been proven that early support reduces the likelihood that a young person will turn to harmful coping behaviours and early intervention can prevent a long term issue.”
WHAT MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
Snowsport England have teamed up with charity Stop.Breathe.Think to provide mental health support for young people within our community. These are a series of free counselling sessions for any Snowsport England member aged 8 to 21 years-old. This offer expires on 31 December 2026. If you or another member is struggling and could use this service, please fill in this referral form, using the code SSE.
Please do tell family or if that does not feel safe, please reach out to the following charities.
In George’s memory his sister, Mollie, is also raising funds to start a charity to act as an anonymous hotline to share concerns about someone who is showing signs of being at risk from suicide by alerting family, or a responsible adult, in confidence. Donate here.