Suicide prevention charity Mikeysline is winner after charity match at Mosset Park
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A SUICIDE prevention charity supporting people in Moray and the Highlands has netted a massive windfall.
Mikeysline was set up in 2015 following the deaths of three young men in the Highlands.
Its text-based support and online 1:1 support service is expanding its reach in Moray.
And a charity football match at Mosset Park in Forres has generated a £2700 boost.
Moray Mental Health FC was formed earlier this year by friends Matty Slinger, Phil Barton and Steve Simpson following the loss of a mutual friend to suicide.
They wanted to give people a platform to come together through the shared enjoyment of football and a chance to talk about how they are feeling.
They have partnered with Mikeysline and are able to point people to the support available locally.
With Highland News and Media – parent company of The Northern Scot and other local newspapers and websites – supporting the mental health service as its Charity of the Year, an inaugural Mikeysline Cup was contested last Friday night at Mosset Park, home of Forres Mechanics football club.
A good crowd supported the event on a rain-lashed evening and through cash donations on the night and online, raffle sales and a donation from Forres Mechanics, the game has raised £2700 for Mikeysline.
Emily Stokes, chief executive of Mikeysline said: "We are amazed and so grateful for such a significant amount to have been raised despite the weather not being on our side!
"It was such an amazing game and atmosphere. Thank you so very much to Forres Mechanics FC, the Northern Scot, Moray Mental Health FC and everyone who came along to support the match.
"These funds will make an enormous difference in helping to fund our active efforts to help spread the word in Moray of the support that Mikeysline can currently provide in terms of text based support and online 1:1 support as well as helping us engage with communities to find out more about support needs locally to help us plan accordingly."
As for the game itself, Moray Mental Health FC ultimately overpowered The Northern Scot select 8-1, with five of their goals coming in the final 25 minutes.
Matty Slinger said: "It was a great night and we are overwhelmed to have raised so much for Mikeysline. For anyone who is struggling with their mental health, please reach out to Mikeysline, another support service or a friend. It always helps to talk."
Jonny Clark, player-manager of The Northern Scot/HNM team, added: "It was a close game for over an hour and then Moray Mental Health gained momentum in the closing stages.
"However, the main focus was on raising money for Mikeysline and we were blown away by the final total."
