FUNDRAISERS are set to honour the memory of a popular friend who committed suicide 10 years ago by holding a charity bash in Radcliffe.

James Walsh, who was known as Walshy and had three sisters, was 26 years old when he killed himself in May 2005.

In the last 10 years, his parents Maggie Day and Tony Walsh have raised £60,000 in his honour for national charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

CALM was set up to prevent male suicide and offers support via a helpline and website as well as working to challenge the culture of men not seeking help when they need it, and pushing for policy and practice changes to prevent suicide.

Around 150 of James’ friends and family will attend a charity night in his honour at Radcliffe Borough Football Club on May 16, and Maggie is appealing for businesses to donate raffle prizes.

She has enlisted the help of close family friend Jason Rakha, of Carrbrook Terrace, Radcliffe, to organise the event and hopes it will raise between £3,000 and £4,000.

Jason, aged 32, has persuaded Bury FC to donate signed memorabilia for auction and is in talks with Scott Quigg and Bury-born Burnley footballer Kieran Tripper.

The married father-of-three, who also has four stepchildren and works as a pressure systems inspector, said: “With this being James’ 10th anniversary we are really trying to make it a fantastic event.

“In the current climate with the stresses of money and the poor economy and the strains of everyday life, the subject has never been more relevant.”

Jason said a work colleague taking his own life two years ago changed his outlook and made him realise men find it very difficult to talk to each other about mental health issues.

He added: “We just want to let people know you are not on your own – there is help on the other end of the phone, or help will come to you.”

Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men aged 20 to 45 in England and Wales, with men accounting for 78 per cent of all suicides in 2013.

Maggie, aged 60, said: “It is something that has to be talked about. A lot of these young men do not know what is wrong with them, and think they cannot speak about it.

“One of the CALM mottos is that being silent is not being strong.”

Any businesses which can donate items for raffle can e-mail maggie-day@hotmail.co.uk