 He had moved to Telford with his wife Rachel in May 2013 during his time in the military. As he worked to stem his mental health struggles he came across a video that changed his life. Jay told the Shropshire Star he had been "at a very low point in my life for quite some time" when he came across New Zealand-based Kevin Stevens - known as the 'Wellington Batman'. Jay made his first suit with Kevin's help based on the one Christian Bale wore in The Dark Knight. Jay said dressing as Batman helps him overcome his PTSD ( Facebook) He estimates he has raised thousands for charity ( Facebook) After seeing Kevin's content, Jay said he thought: "I've got to do this, I need to do it. Telford needs a Batman." Three years on, he has since made further suits based on costumes worn by other actors to play Bruce Wayne - Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck. Jay said he doesn't take any money for events he appears at, instead telling them to donate directly to the charities he supports. He estimates he has raised thousand){kind=link}
Ex-soldier Jay Gough, 38, from Shropshire, works as a local councillor and IT manager by day, but in his spare time he dons a Batman costume he made himself to help his community and relieve his PTSD
A former soldier says donning a Batman costume in public helps the community and improves his mental health.
Jay Gough was inspired to build his own Caped Crusader suit after watching a video on social media – and now makes appearances at local events and schools in the full garb.
By day the 38-year-old works as an IT manager and represents Donnington on Telford & Wrekin Council in Shropshire.
But his alter ego brings a smile to children’s faces and sees him raising money for two charities – Children with Cancer UK and Hope House.