Latest news with #AndysManClub
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
'The Bolton wanderer' returns from epic trek from UK to Italian city
A Bolton wanderer has made it home from Milan after completing a 56-day trek from Manchester to the Italian city. Kai Flynn embarked on the journey in order to raise money for mental health charities , Andy's Man Club and Breaking Barriers, a Bolton charity that helps support young disabled children and adults. The 24-year-old faced gruelling mountain ranges and an allergic reaction on his way to the Lombardian capital in Northern Italy, which saw him in hospital in France. "It was just incredible," Kai said. More: Tourists on cafe-less Pendle Hill - 'We could have starved if not for mint cake' More: This coastal walk with 'beautiful views' is Lancashire's best More: 'Mesmerising' waterfall walk with 'breathtaking' views that's an hour from Bolton "I was nearly bawling in tears when I arrived in Milan." Kai came across what he described as "crazy" thunderstorms while he was crossing the Alps. (Image: Kai Flynn) He also took a more direct route, which entailed wild camping in the Jura mountains, which are a short distance north of the Western Alps along the French-Swiss border. He added: "It was surprisingly hot, and it was amazing to speak to loads of different people in the rural communities. (Image: Kai Flynn) "Everyone was so friendly, and I was speaking to people from Canada, and all across the world really. "They were obviously quite shocked when they found out why I was there and thought I was mad." The Bolton lad now wants to "walk across the world" and has his sight set on a three-year walking trip over to Asia. "I've realised this is what I'm here to do, this is my purpose," he added. Kai raised £2,200, £700 over his initial target, for mental health charities. He said: "I want to give opportunities to people and young people who haven't had the best start in life. "Whether that's clothes on their back, an Xbox, or a holiday to somewhere else in the UK. "It's important to me that those less fortunate are helped by the walks I'm doing." Back home safe and sound, the music producer's next walk is "one in the park" by comparison - a short trek from Middlebrook to Bolton town centre as part of an organised fundraiser.
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Rockbeare teen in 1,000-mile journey in memory of brother
A Devon 17-year-old is preparing for a 1,000-mile (about 1,600km) walk and cycle from John O'Groats to Land's End. Skye, from Rockbeare, near Exeter, is starting the journey on 5 July in memory of her brother Ryan, who took his own life at the age of 27. The goal is to raise funds for Andy's Man Club, a charity dedicated to providing mental health support for her on parts of the journey will be her 10-month-old Springer Spaniel, Nova. Ryan, the youngest of Skye's three older brothers, was known for his kindness, humour, and passion, said had also participated in a charity boxing match for Andy's Man Club in memory of a friend who had passed away. Despite his struggles with mental health, which he often kept from his younger siblings to protect them, Ryan's legacy continued to inspire Skye, she said."Losing Ryan was a pain that my family and I will never be able to explain and it affected us all differently," she said."Andy's Man Club was very close to Ryan's heart."Skye's mother, Yvonne, will also be supporting her daughter throughout the journey. "We're hoping to meet Skye at various points along the route and walk back towards her," she said. "Once we get to Cornwall and Devon, I'll join her for much of the coastal path."
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fun, food & fundraising at the Ruby Lodge Care Home May fair
Residents at Ruby Lodge Care Home in Thirsk are looking forward to welcoming the local community to their May Fair event, taking place on Saturday, 31st May from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The event promises to be a fun-filled morning for all ages, with a vibrant selection of stalls, entertainment, and activities—all while raising money for a meaningful cause. 'This year's May Fair will support Andy's Man Club, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention and promoting mental health awareness for men," commented home manager Holly Hunton. "We care for many male residents here at Ruby Lodge and know how important it is to help break down the sigma of men's mental health," commented home manager Holly Hunton. (Image: Country Court Care) "In addition to raising funds for this important initiative, half of the proceeds from the event will go toward providing a special activity for the residents of Ruby Lodge.' commented home manager Holly Hunton. Confirmed stallholders include: Jewellery by Carolyn, children's books and gifts from Claire and her 'Sparkling Touches,' bags and cushions by Cherie White. There will be Wooden crafts by Sarah Hubbock, and tote bags and baby clothes from Gillian Starkie. Vicky Queenan will be offering Oriflame cosmetics, while Go Indian Spice will bring a taste of the exotic with their selection of spices. Ana will be selling children's pens and stationery, and Lara Nursery will also be hosting a stall. In addition to shopping, there will be plenty of entertainment and family-friendly activities. Local singer Paul Moore will perform live music, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Children will enjoy face painting and classic games like tug of war and the ever popular 'throw a sponge' challenge. No fair would be complete without a sweet treat, and visitors can look forward to a visit from Pearson's Ices of Thirsk, who will be serving up delicious ice cream on site. Light refreshments will be available throughout the morning. (Image: Country Court Care) The team at Ruby Lodge Care Home extends a warm welcome to everyone in the local area to attend and support their community event. For further details, please contact Ruby Lodge Care Home on 01904 937449 or email
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Coventry men's mental health group launches second weekly session
A club to support men with mental health issues is having to expand to meet Man Club, a national suicide prevention charity that was set up in 2016 and now has more than 270 groups around the country, is increasing its offering in launching its first weekly meeting in the city last year, it has been so successful that it is about to start running a second Scott Elliott said: "It's absolutely mind-blowing, to be honest, the numbers have gone through the roof, and we just can't keep up at the moment." Andy's Man Club was set up in memory of Andrew Roberts, who took his own life in 2016 at the age of says more than 5,800 men attend groups across the country each week. Mr Elliott, 55, set up Coventry's first group at Coombe Hall, Brandon, in November, five years after he attended his first meeting as a client in Stafford - which he credits with saving his first session was attended by 25 men. The latest one, on Monday, was attended by 41."It just goes to show that it's massively needed," he month, another meeting will begin at the Blind Resource Session in Earlsdon."So we now have one on two sides of the city," said Mr Elliott. "It's fantastic, to be honest."Andy's Man Club says suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 54 and, according to the latest figures, there are three times as many suicides among men as there are Elliott said men often struggle to open up about their feelings, and taking the decision to seek help is often the "biggest step" they can take."A lot of them feel broken," he said. "To see the change in people when they walk through the door, even that very first night... It's a massive weight lifted off their shoulders." Andy's Man Club meets at Coombe Hall in Brandon each Monday at 19:00. From 16 June, there will also be a meeting at the same time at the Blind Resource Session in local groups can be found on the charity's help and advice is available at BBC Action Line. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
'My three-year-old son brought me back from the brink'
A father who said his three-year-old son saved him from the brink has opened up about his mental health struggles and urged others in a similar position to reach out for years ago, Simon Mayo from Barnsley said he had turned to alcohol after feeling overwhelmed by financial problems and personal 49-year-old said he hit rock bottom when he found himself standing next to a railway line one night, feeling like there was "no way out".However, he said when he glanced back towards his car and saw the empty child seat he thought "I can't leave my son", and instead decided to seek support. If you have been affected by any of these issues, you can visit the BBC's Action Line or contact the Samaritans "I sat in the back of my car and put my hand on [my son's] car seat and sat there and just absolutely cried my eyes out," he said."That following Monday, I went to Andy's Man Club straight from work."The charity, which was set up in 2016 and now has more than 270 groups around the country, was started in memory of Andy Roberts, who took his own life aged peer-to-peer support group describes itself as a safe space where men can talk about their emotions without being judged."I didn't get a 'what are you doing here?', it was 'hi mate, are you alright?'," Mr Mayo he replied that he was not, he was invited to sit down and share his story, marking the start of his regular attendance every said his mental health improved drastically and he eventually decided to become a lead facilitator for the charity to help others looking for support."I'm just proud of where I've come from and where I am," he said. "[My son] is amazing, I worship the ground he walks on. It gets me up every morning." 'It's OK to talk' Mr Mayo shared his story as part of Mental Health Awareness Week and a new campaign which has been launched in collaboration with alcohol harm reduction charity Drinkaware and Andy's Man by Drinkaware has revealed that 58% of middle-aged men report using alcohol as a coping mechanism and one in five said they struggled to open up without the help of Tyrell, Drinkaware's CEO, said: "It is OK to talk, it is OK to talk about your drinking or some other things that might be feeling quite stressful or difficult in your life."Going along and asking for some help and support like Simon did sounds really hard, but once you've made that first step you can see from his story that actually things can start to feel a lot better."Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
