I’m doing a stand-up comedy gig to support two local charities tackling tough issues, from mental health to suicide prevention.

James Burke and Daniel Long took their own lives in 2017, prompting their mums, backed by loved ones to launch foundations in their memory.

The James Burke Foundation was founded in 2018 by Sharon Burke in memory of her son James, a University of Leeds student and LURL player from 2014 to 2017, who tragically took his own life. The foundation works to raise awareness of mental health and challenge the stigma around it.It’s an incredible cause I'm proud to support.

TeamDaniel was founded in June 2017 after 15-year-old Daniel Long tragically took his own life, overwhelmed by exam-related stress. His loved ones came together to raise awareness of youth mental health. Now a registered charity, TeamDaniel works to highlight the scale of mental health issues in young people, raise funds for dedicated support hubs with counsellors, and connect children and teens to vital services.

I first brought Emma and Sharon together for World Suicide Prevention Day in 2018, when they met at Hits Radio in Kirkstall. Since then, I’ve seen both navigate the highs and lows of championing their vital, parallel causes. I believe we must do more to support grassroots Leeds charities tackling mental health—this is my way of contributing.

Please donate what you can. All funds will be shared equally between both charities.