craig cathcart glenn murray
Crystal Palace and Brighton fans will come together at the Amex Stadium for a special live edition of the “Price of Football” podcast. The event, featuring Albion fan Kieran Maguire and Palace counterpart Kevin Day, aims to raise funds and awareness for mental health support and suicide prevention. Organized in collaboration with Dean Gallagher of Brighton Samaritans, the show is set to highlight the critical issue of suicide, particularly among men under 50 in the UK.
Dean Gallagher said: “I happen to know Dean and he and I go back 40-odd years. He was talking about the fund-raising. We’ve done some fund-raisers for other charities and we’d be delighted to do this. I think everybody knows somebody who has been impacted by suicide but it’s the silent killer. It’s still the biggest killer in the UK for men under the age of 50, which is scary. It’s a big issue in Brighton as well. Brighton, unfortunately, has a high rate of suicide because we’ve got a very diverse demographic. It hits certain parts of society greater than others. So the opportunity to give some support to highlight the importance of the issue was something we wanted to contribute to.”
Kieran Maguire said: “It can be challenging at times. At half-time, when we normally put out for the questions, I sometimes get an opportunity to look at them. And then I’ve got Kevin as well.”
The event, priced at £16.50, reflects the daily cost of running the Samaritans’ services in Brighton, which amounts to £165. This initiative is part of the broader #TogetherAgainstSuicide campaign, supported by the Premier League and Samaritans, aiming to provide safe spaces, trained listeners, and vital support at venues like the Amex Stadium.
Brighton & Hove Albion has been proactive in addressing mental health issues, recently releasing a powerful video showcasing how football fans can support each other. The club’s involvement in the #TogetherAgainstSuicide initiative underscores its commitment to fostering a supportive community environment.
The live podcast is expected to draw significant attention, not only for its entertainment value but also for its crucial role in raising awareness about mental health challenges. By bringing together fans from rival clubs, the event highlights the unifying power of football in addressing societal issues.
About The Author
