8:56 Foundation hosts successful launch to create support for mental health in King's Lynn

Friday evening saw the launch of the 8:56 Foundation at West Lynn Sports and Social club in memory of Lee Calton.

The event in partnership with King's Lynn Soccer Club aims to raise awareness around mental health and more than 500 people attended.

Along with many activities including food and drink, an auction and raffle, plus a disco hosted by DJ Zola.

The event raised more than £10,000 which was described as "beyond our wildest dreams".

Mark Bromfield, joint secretary of the foundation, said: "The response from the community has been unbelievable.

"The venue was packed, people couldn't get through the door at one point and all went well. Matt Oakes, chairman of the foundation gave a speech at 8:56pm thanking everybody.

"We raised much more than expected thank to the generosity of people."

Lee was a financial adviser based in Lynn who was well known to many people through his work and for his support of the Linnets.

Tragically he took his life earlier this year at the age of 37. His death led to an outpouring of grief from his friends and family and buildings in the town were lit up blue-and-gold, the colours of King's Lynn Town, in his honour.

Collaborating with the Samaritans at the Lynn branch the foundation aims to increase awareness of mental health and using sport as a way for men to talk about issues.

"With the funds raises the foundation members are intending to have a meeting to reflect and make future plans for events in an effort to move forward from the tragic loss of Lee Calton, whose memory the foundation is in.

Mr Broomfield said: "Now we can start help supporting people, get counsellors involved and work closely with the Samaritans who we intend to give a donation to.

"They have helped us tremendously which way to go and we have a common goal to help people and do the best for people."

With the website up and running and calls being taken by the Samaritans the 8:56 Foundation is a place of contact for people suffering with mental health issues.

The event brings awareness to the issues surrounding men talking abut mental health.

Mr Bromfield said: "The soccer club was fantastic, wearing their 8:56 'it's time to talk' t-shirts, it was such a successful night.

"We don't want to stand still, we want to continuously talk about awareness and the importance to talk to each other.

"People need to talk.

"We want to keep on striving towards that goal to help people.Thanks to the community and everyone who attended it has been unbelievable."