Charity 5-a-side football match raises money for Cumbrian suicide charity
The five-a-side over 35s tournament was organised by Matt Brooks in memory of his friend Jonathan Mason who died in 2022, aged 39.
This year's tournament saw ten teams sign up to take part and raise money for Every Life Matters, a charity based in Shap providing suicide bereavement support across Cumbria.
Mr Brooks said: "When Jonny died it was such a shocking scenario because nobody expected it. He was the life and soul of the party.
"Running these football matches has been a way for us to pull together and remember him, but it's also given us all an opportunity to stop and think, and be more aware of our mental health.'
Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK with death rates in Cumbria higher than the national average.
Mr Brooks said he feels the games have given people a much-needed space to talk.
The football matches are an opportunity to reflect and remember (Boony Bugs)
'You see a lot of people chatting after the match and often it gives them a chance to talk about their personal situations and what helps them get through tough times.'
This year's match raised £1,275 taking the total raised for Every Life Matters to £6,906 over the last three years.
The Cumbrian charity promotes suicide safer communities and provides resources designed to improve wellbeing and mental health.
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Mr Brooks said: 'As much as it's sad, it's a celebration really. When I put this idea out there, we ended up with a great community of Jonny's family, friends and people who have connections to football in Kendal.
'Although our friend is gone he'll always be with us. We hope the money we raise might just help prevent situations like this occurring again for others.'
To donate, you can visit the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mougs
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