A dad from Bolton who tried to take his own life before seeking help to tackle his mental health problems has completed a challenge in aid of a close cause.

Melvin Cullen, who volunteers for mental health charity Andy's Man Club, did a 15,000ft skydive last month in aid of the organisation which made him feel "on top of the world" following his struggles.

The 30-year-old raised more than £1,500 for the charity in honour of Suicide Awareness Week, in excess of three times higher than his £500 target.

The total included a £100 donation from Bolton mayor, Cllr Andy Morgan, who took to social media to share his support for the cause.

To visit Melvin's JustGiving crowdfunding page click here.

Andy's Man Club offers 200 support groups for men across the UK to tackle the stigma against mental health struggles through the power of conversation.

The charity sees more than 4,500 men attend sessions weekly and has in excess of 1,600  volunteers across the country.

The Bolton group, which takes place at Bolton Arena, attracts about 45 members per week with sessions taking place every Monday at 7pm apart from bank holidays.

Melvin said: “I started attending Andy's Man Club in May last year, when I was at my absolute lowest mentally.

“I was hurting inside for months and months. I couldn’t put my finger on why I was feeling like this and I felt empty and alone at times, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Eventually, I hit rock bottom and after battling my demons for such a long time, I attempted to take my own life.”

“Fortunately, I was unsuccessful and I was able to visit my GP who recommended Andy's Man Club as a talking group that might be able to help.”

The group takes its name after the late Andrew Roberts, from Halifax, who took his life aged 23 in 2016.

His family were unaware of his suffering at the time and began looking into men’s mental health.

Elaine Roberts and Luke Ambler, Andy’s mum and brother-in-law, came up with the idea of the charity, a group where men aged 18 and above can speak openly about their mental health in a judgement-free, non-clinical environment. 

The charity offers free group talking sessions to men aged over 18 with the aim of ending stigmas surrounding men’s mental health through the power of conversation and company, lending a hand to suicide prevention.

Clubs are specifically designed to be free from pressure and attendees do not have to contribute to discussion if they wish not to.

In 2022 around three quarters of registered suicides in England and Wales were males, according to government statistics.

Melvin said: “I walked past the door for the group three times with my head down before going in for the first time, I was so nervous.

"I was lucky that someone welcomed me in and sat me down so that I felt relaxed.

“My voice was being heard for the first time, it felt amazing to be listened to and once I started talking, I just couldn’t stop.

“Leaving my first session I felt on top of the world.

“Most people look forward to their Fridays to finish work, but I look forward to Mondays because it’s my time to connect with other people from the group. It gives me a focal point for my week.

“Mondays are when I feel less alone.”

Since then, Melvin, who works in Whitefield, has continued to attend weekly group sessions and became a facilitator for Andy's Man Club in October last year.

The charity hopes to open three more Bolton locations in the long term and are currently looking to secure a second venue in the area.

Members are welcome to discuss their own thoughts and those from all backgrounds are welcomed.

The discussion of religion, politics or previous convictions is prohibited to avoid any potential stigmatisation and focus on building connections between attendees.

Melvin added: “It’s become such a huge part of my life now, I’ve even got the word’s 'Andy's Man Club' tattooed on me, right next to a tribute to my son.

“I tell people that it’s because without these group sessions my son wouldn’t have a dad, my fiancée wouldn’t have her partner. I wouldn’t be here at all.

“These sessions have saved not just me, but also my family. My partner, Victoria, has got her fiancé back and my son has got his dad back.

“I’m smiling again, I’m talking again, and I just feel more like myself.

“Completing the skydive was something that has always been on my bucket list, I knew I wanted to do it for a good cause.

“I thought, if I can get over my fear of walking through the door and opening up to a group full of strangers, I can do this.

“Sharing my thoughts and fears with strangers was much more terrifying than skydiving will ever be to me, so I knew I had it in me.”

Melvin has been attending sessions for over a year and describes the group as a "family" and "a brotherhood" for those who are struggling or would like some company.

Bookings or referrals are not necessary and new members are encouraged to come along.

Online groups are also available on a weekly basis.

Melvin added: “You see people evolve, they walk in with their head to the floor and week by week, they begin smiling again and feeling more confident.

“The group is primarily for men, but women have been some of biggest supporters too, we wouldn’t have had half the success without their continued support.

“My advice to anyone struggling is to open and talk, you’re not alone. No matter how small you feel your problem is, the door is always open no matter your background.

“If even one person can read my story and relate to this, then I feel as though my mission is complete.”

Contact details for Andy's Man Club are available via its website.