UPDATE: In a heartfelt appeal, former Tottenham Hotspur footballer Micky Hazard is urgently calling for greater awareness and action on mental health following the tragic suicide of his nephew, Jay Hazard, at just 23 years old. This emotional revelation comes as part of a new campaign launched in partnership with Samaritans and Mind in Haringey, coinciding with Tottenham’s match against Liverpool on December 20, 2023.
Hazard vividly recalls his nephew’s vibrant personality, stating, “When I’ve finished telling you about Jay as a person, you’ll be absolutely gobsmacked he did what he did.” Despite being one of the “happiest-go-lucky boys” one could meet, Jay struggled silently with his mental health, a reality that shocked his family and friends.
Authorities report that one in four people in the UK experience suicidal thoughts, with a life lost every 90 minutes. Micky Hazard emphasizes the critical importance of listening, saying, “Just as it’s important for people in dark places to talk, we need people to listen.”
In response to his nephew’s tragic passing, Hazard founded the charity Legend on the Bench, which aims to create suicide prevention benches throughout the UK, equipped with telephone numbers and QR codes for immediate mental health support. The initiative seeks to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages those in crisis to seek help.
Research from Tottenham Hotspur reveals that over 58% of individuals struggling with mental health are reluctant to ask for support. Hazard’s sister, Michelle, inspired the charity after a night walk while grieving, envisioning a bench that would provide safety and support for others in despair.
This latest campaign features a poignant film that highlights the importance of reaching out for help. It showcases a young male football fan confronting his mental health struggles, featuring prominent figures like coach Thomas Frank and first-team players. The film will be shown on match days to raise awareness about mental health issues.
Micky Hazard reflects on the challenges of discussing mental health, particularly for men, stating, “We’ve been guided down this path that we are the breadwinners. We are the tough guys.” He urges everyone to recognize that speaking up is a sign of strength, not weakness.
As Spurs prepare for their match, fans will be encouraged to share the message: “to talk is to do.” A white phone box from the film will be available for photos, and helpline cards will be distributed to support those in need.
Samaritans Executive Director Sonya Trivedy reinforces the urgency of this conversation, stating, “If just one Spurs fan goes on to call us after seeing this video, it could help save a life.” With volunteers ready to assist 24/7, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, providing a lifeline to those struggling with mental health crises.
Hazard’s passionate call to action underscores the vital role that everyone plays in supporting those in need. As he poignantly states, “The most important gift that any of us are ever given is life.”
This urgent message about mental health awareness is more critical than ever, as communities come together to ensure no one faces their struggles alone.
