Two school friends who lost their classmate to suicide are gearing up to host a huge charity ball in his memory on the 10th anniversary of his death.
Since March this year, Michael Trueman, 25, from Scunthorpe and James Smith, 24, from Grimsby have been organising the ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ charity ball, which will be held at The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe at 7pm on Saturday, March 23.
All proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships will go to Prevention of Young Suicide (PAPYRUS), which is the leading UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
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Michael and James decided to organise the ball to mark the 10-year anniversary of their Caistor Grammar School friend, Leo Adamson, who tragically died in 2014. Named after a song by one of Leo’s favourite bands, The Libertines, the ball is open for anyone to attend and will include a three-course meal, live bands and other entertainment.
Speaking to Scunthorpe Live, Michael said: “I used to go to Caistor Grammar School and one of my friends Leo passed away from suicide. It happened 10 years ago this coming year, and we wanted to bring something positive out of a really terrible occurrence. That’s where the idea came from to do a charity ball.
“We’re dedicating the ball to PAPYRUS, a charity that was helpful to people close to Leo back when it happened. I think it’s really important to bring something positive to set the precedence for the future and hopefully have a really nice, special night.
“The biggest killer of young people is suicide, there’s an awful lot of stigma around suicide and if we’re not able to talk about these sorts of things, it will be difficult for people to have a better life in the future. PAPYRUS offers a helpline for people struggling with thoughts of suicide, so it’s a really worthy cause.”
Tickets are available here and can be purchased individually or in tables of eight or ten.
HOPELINE247 is a confidential support and advice service by PAPYRUS for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be you can contact HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice. Call: 0800 068 4141, Text: 07860 039 967 or Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe