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‘I Care and I’m There’ Belfast boxing legends join fight against suicide

Belfast fight names Carl Frampton, Ryan Burnett and Paddy Barnes have all got behind a campaign that aims to let people know they have people that care about them.

TAMHI, a North Belfast suicide awareness charity, have launched an ‘I Care and I’m There’ campaign.

The new initiative has been supported by some of the cities biggest sports stars including big boxing names like three weight world title hopeful Frampton, former unified world champion Ryan Burnett and two time Olympic medal winner Paddy Barnes.

Mickey Meehan, from TAMHI said: “Whenever we are dealing with some scenarios with people with mental health issues, the same things pop up. They feel they are a burden and they also feel like nobody cares

“Myself and a few friends have five words to explain how much that [idea] is wrong – I care and I am there.”

Joining the boxers in supporting the initiative is former Ireland rugby captain Rory Best.

Continuing on the matter Meehan added :”When it seems that all hope is gone, that you are on the brink, when you think nobody cares, ask yourself ‘is that true?’ Or is it true that if you ask for help you will recieve help? It doesn’t have to be from a registered professional. The most caring, passionate people are the Jimmys and Annies of our community, the grassroots of the area. The soul, the passion of the place, the very pillars that try to hold us all above despair.”

If you or someone you know is in distress or despair, call 24/7 crisis helpline Lifeline for free on 0808 808 8000.

Owen O’Neill is another boxer who works regular with the charity.

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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