Paddy Pimblett gives 'life-changing amount' to 10 Liverpool men

Liverpool’s own UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett is said to have “changed the lives” of 10 men in the city. It comes after the 29-year-old dad-of-two made a significant donation to Georgian Quarter charity James’ Place on World Suicide Prevention Day.

Paddy ‘The Baddy’, a long-term supporter of the charity, donated £25,000 to enable a group of men in suicidal crisis to receive treatment. The MMA professional said: “I've spent some time talking to the team at James' Place and they are amazing at helping men in suicidal crisis.

"Receiving news that a friend took his own life because of mental health struggles made me realise I couldn’t stand by and do nothing with the public platform that I’m so lucky to have.”

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James’ Place is a vital organisation launched by Claire Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley after they lost their son, James. Aged just 21, James took his own life t10 days after a minor operation.

He sought help for his anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find the urgent help he so desperately needed. Clare and Nick were determined to prevent other families from losing the men they love and set up the charity to help men in suicidal crises.

The Liverpool centre aims to destigmatise mental health issues and the group is hoping to expand to other cities this year, having already helped hundreds in the city, London and Newcastle. Paddy made the donation through The Baddy Foundation, his charity that prides itself on uplifting communities by “meeting their most basic needs - specifically on knocking out food insecurity and combatting the stigma around men’s mental health”.

Graham Boylan, Paddy’s manager, said: “The Baddy Foundation is in its infancy, but with the help of Paddy’s fans has made big strides. Partnering the foundation with James’ Place to financially support treatment for those who need it was a task we had given ourselves. Today we have completed this task. Now we move on to the next task whilst continuing to work with James’ Place.”

Suicide figures in England and Wales have hit their highest rate since 1999 with men accounting for 75% of all suicides and middle-aged men being most at risk. Suicide is also the leading cause of death for men under 35.

Ellen O’Donoghue, chief executive of James’ Place, said: “We cannot thank Paddy, and everyone who has donated to The Baddy Foundation, enough for their support.

"From the moment Paddy shared his own story of loss, he has supported James’ Place in our mission to reach more men and stop them from dying by suicide. Speaking out about suicide is so important, and this kind of support makes our vital work possible. We really are so grateful.”

Men who receive therapy at James’ Place are in suicidal crisis largely driven by life events, such as a relationship breakdown, financial problems or bereavement. They are experiencing intense and distressing suicidal thoughts and have often made a plan to end their life, or already made a suicide attempt.

Jane Boland, clinical lead at James’ Place, added: “Paddy’s involvement with James’ Place has already had a huge impact, with many men in crisis particularly in Liverpool men actively seeking help because they have heard from Paddy that help is available.

"This generous donation from The Baddy Foundation will make a life-changing difference to the lives of ten men in Liverpool, helping them to come through their suicidal crisis and find hope for the future, and is a fabulous next step towards our long-term partnership.”

Men in suicidal crisis can contact James’ Place themselves or be referred to a centre by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family member. The centres, in Liverpool, London and Newcastle, are open Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm by appointment only.