Sheffield to host summer fun day for male suicide awareness

A local man - who organises family fun days in aid of male suicide awareness - believes this summer’s event could be the biggest yet, with the help of the people of Sheffield.
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Lee Paul Shepherd has been fundraising for SToRMS, which stands for Strategies to Reduce Male Suicide, for the last three years.

The charity works to improve the lives of people living in Sheffield, through events such as family fun days.

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Lee said: “I have done the event for the last two years, to honour a friend who sadly took his own life. I was humbled by the support we all received in the build up to the game itself and shocked at how many people have similar stories of losing loved ones.”

The football team that played in a previous yearThe football team that played in a previous year
The football team that played in a previous year

SToRMS was set up to keep the memory of Dan McAllister alive, who passed away at 19-years-old, in May 2015.

Money raised from Family Fun days ensures that the charity is able to continue the vital work it does, in making suicide a topic that can be talked about.

Lee is in the process of organising this year's Family Fun day, with fellow organisers Anthea Bebb and Richard Hirst.

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He added: “The idea is to build this event up each year. This year, we are aiming to make it a ticketed event as we are putting a lot more on show for people.”

Players will be wearing custom designed football kits bearing mental health slogans.Players will be wearing custom designed football kits bearing mental health slogans.
Players will be wearing custom designed football kits bearing mental health slogans.

Lee said he is particularly keen to hear from anyone willing to help out or to sponsor the event.

There will be a football match on the day, and there may be a few ex-professional footballers in addition this year.

Players will be wearing custom designed football kits bearing mental health slogans.

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There will also be an auction of football shirts signed by professional players, including from clubs such as SUFC, RUFC and Manchester United - it is hoped that additional shirts from other clubs will be secured.

The Family Fun day will be held at Stocksbridge Look Local stadium on August 9, from 12.00 to 20.30.

For more information, contact Lee: [email protected] or visit their Facebook page here.

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