I’m doing this because I’ve lost five friends to suicide in the last ten years. I also know of many more across Greater Manchester. One of the lads I was really close to – we used to joke that we’d have a fight before we got too old – and then about four years ago, he was gone.

What hurts is that most people don’t understand how low someone has to feel to do something like that, especially when they have a wife and kids. People say it’s selfish, but it’s not. When you’re in that place, your mind isn’t thinking straight. I know that because 20 years ago I tried to take my own life. Luckily, I was found in time.

That’s why it upsets me so much when I think about it. I truly believe that if my mate had someone to talk to, he might still be here like me, living the dream.

That’s also why I support Andy’s Man Club at Todmorden. A couple of my long-time friends started going there, so I went along to see them — and it’s a brilliant place with brilliant staff. It’s somewhere men can actually talk. Places like that need to stay open forever.

All Donations will be shared equally across to very important organisations.

#Andysmanclub

#Springhill Hospice