Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett has made a momentous donation to suicide prevention charity, James’ Place.
Following his UFC London win against Jordan Leavitt, Pimblett revealed post-fight that just hours before the weigh ins, he received the horrifying news that one of his friends had taken their own life. The 29-year-old then used the rest of his post-fight in cage interview to urge men to reach out and speak to someone if they are suffering.
The UFC Lightweight has used his ever-growing platform to continually promote and encourage men to not feel emasculated if they are struggling with their mental health and to never be ashamed to ask for help.
The Next Generation star has also started The Baddy Foundation, set up to address food insecurity and mental health issues in collaboration with local partners and nonprofit organizations including schools, food banks and food service providers, hospitals and mental health providers, among many others.
It was announced today that Pimblett had donated £25,000 to James' Place. It was announced today that Pimblett had donated £25,000 to James' Place. The charity offers free treatment to men in suicidal crisis in various cities around the UK. They have helped over 2,300 men to date.
Speaking on his decision to donate such a large sum of money to the James’ Place, Pimblett said:
“I've spent some time talking to the team at James' Place and they are amazing at helping men in suicidal crisis. Receiving news that a friend took his own life because of mental health struggles made me realise I couldn’t stand by and do nothing with the public platform that I’m so lucky to have. The Baddy Foundation is building from the ground up and I’ll continue to help as much as I possibly can with the help of my loyal fans.”
Jane Boland, Clinical Lead at James’ Place revealed the impact Pimblett has already had on not only the charity but the impact he has had on men seeking help when the need it. She said:
“Paddy’s involvement with James’ Place has already had a huge impact, with many men in crisis particularly in Liverpool men actively seeking help because they have heard from Paddy that help is available. This generous donation from The Baddy Foundation will make a life-changing difference to the lives of ten men in Liverpool, helping them to come through their suicidal crisis and find hope for the future, and is a fabulous next step towards our long-term partnership.”
For more information on the treatment James’ Place offer, visit www.jamesplace.org.uk for more information.
