Tributes have poured in for an 'inspirational' personal trainer who has died at the age of 29. Sam Main was a popular figure in his local community in Penzance since he arrived in the town in 2021 to turn his life around.
He had previously moved to Cornwall from Dorset after struggling from addiction. He initially lived in a tent outside the YMCA or Wharfside shopping centre before moving to a caravan and then a pub, reports Cornwall Live.
He eventually found housing at the end of 2022. Sam became a personal trainer and wrote books about his experiences, and how he is remembered by the people whose lives he touched.
Sam previously told CornwallLive that he'd never felt such warmth from a place as he did from Penzance. He said: "The people in Penzance have been completely different to what I've found elsewhere."
Leading tributes, friends described Sam as "such an inspiration" and an influence to others struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Leah Wood said: "Can't actually believe what I'm reading on Facebook. Shared so many memories with you. RIP beautiful boy, you're going to be so missed."
Anthony Miller said: "I'm so sorry to hear what happened mate, you was a good person. Rest easy buddy, hope you are in a better place now."
Emma Siddall said: "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since finding out this awful news. I always found you such an inspiration, Sam. You always had the most infectious smile, and you were always so positive! I'm going to miss seeing that smile down at Battery Rocks and in town. I'm going to miss our chats. Always trying to boost each other to stay sober. Rest in peace angel."
Julie Starr said: "RIP Sam Main one of the nicest young lads I have ever met. You are free of your demons now fly high."
Dan Rankin said: "Mate. I can't even put it into words. An entire lifetime gone just like that, I've watched you recently - how much you really improved yourself. In fact, you influenced me to wanna do the same."
He added it was "beautiful" to see how far Sam had come and how "it can be when we feel the world isn't our place anymore", urging anyone struggling with their mental health to seek help and reach out.
Lauren Daniels said: "Oh Sam. I don't really know what to say. I'm speechless, I'm heartbroken. And most of all I wish there was something I could have done but nothing I say will bring you back or take away whatever you were going through.
"You've spent the past two years pushing yourself and showing everyone you can turn your life around. And you did it! Thinking of your mum. I hope you've found peace now mate. Until we meet again! Thank you for the best night and memories. We had the best nights the best times and those I will cherish forever."
Sam was open about his story and had previously shared what he was going through with CornwallLive, saying: "I want to help other addicts, give a guide to people that are in the same situation or are possibly heading down that path.
"I want to let Penzance know that the community spirit down in this beautiful part of the world has not died and is very much something unique to Cornwall."
Help and support is available at:
- Samaritans - 116 123 (24hr) Calls are free & confidential. Email jo@samaritans.org For people experiencing distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide.
- Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (6pm - 2am daily and 24 hours weekends) A free and confidential phone-line service for any individual, who is experiencing low mood or depression.
- For help and support for your mental health, speak to your GP or if out of hours, call NHS 24 on 111
- ChildLine 0800 1111 - a free 24-hour helpline for children and young people in the UK.
- HopeLine UK (0800 24 20 24) a free service for childen & young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide & for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
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