I am again looking to raise awareness and funds for ANDYS MANS CLUB by hosting  the 2nd annual "Donald Gardiner Memorial Trophy" in honour of my dad, who died on 2nd April 2019 after a battle with anxiety and depression. The event is being hosted on Friday 8th September 2023. I again will be raising money at the event and all donations are welcome. I was overwhelmed by the unbelievable amount raised last year that touched just over £6260, (£7700 including gift aid). 

SUICIDE a subject that no one wants to discuss but is in itself becoming a pandemic in its own right. 3 in every 4 suicides in the UK are completed by men. 1 man in every hour completes suicide. This cannot continue and is why I have chosen ANDYSMANCLUB as a charity to support.


We have all been fighting a well publicised invisible war. However many people are fighting a continuous battle that is invisible to everyone else but them. Mental Health is indiscriminate and any person can be affected by it!! With many things that are going on here in the UK at the minute it's easy for the pressures to seem too much. It is even more important now more than ever people feel supported by either loved ones, friends or reaching out to charities such as ANDYS MAN CLUB.


The only way to describe my dad is that he was a character and to me he seemed larger than life! He was a friend to many, loved by all, he was generous, kind, caring, and stole the show at many a party with his famous Cossack Dance! He was a son, brother, husband, a dad and a grandad and the best at all of these!


As well as being loved by all, Dad also loved his golf followed by a sneaky Guiness or 2. Not everyone knows but in the years leading up to his death he had problems with his vision although some people may not have believed that as he managed to keep a single figure handicap around Carnoustie Championship. In the last year leading up to his death his eye condition worsened and he lost his confidence. He was bravely battling against Depression and Anxiety which ultimately led to his death.


As I mentioned my dad was popular, funny, easy to talk to. And most importantly he was my hero! 


Mental health has no boundaries and even the most confident or outgoing people can be affected by it. ANDYS MAN CLUB meet every Monday at 7pm and Dundee now has 2 groups. If anyone feels they need support I urge you to talk to someone.


I will sign this off with the charities slogan 'ITS OKAY TO TALK' and encourage you to have a look at their website and watch some of the videos explaining how they help beat the stigma surrounding men's mental health.

If you wish to donate please don't forget to add gift aid.