Leeds dad who 'had life saved' by Andy's Man Club to run between groups to show support

Paul Stafford, 30, started going to the Leeds group of mental health support group Andy's Man Club following a marriage break up.

Within eight weeks, Paul said he had fully opened up and shared his problems and started what he deemed was his recovery.

Paul has used lockdown to improve his fitness and from not being able to run for a continuous 5km, driver Paul has now increased his times significantly.

To thank the group, Paul is now set to complete a run between the Leeds facility and Huddersfield to raise money.

Paul told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "I am a rugby league match official so before lockdown I had basic fitness to get me through the games.

"I got training with a local personal trainer and the distances soon went up.

"That is when I decided to set up the run.

"I have got support from three groups along the route - Huddersfield, Dewsbury and the Leeds group at the finish line.

"I attended Andy's after a marriage break up and historical issues.

"Within eight weeks I had opened up fully and started my recovery.

"I have since come full circle and help to facilitate the group.

"I decided to give back to the club that help saved me and turned my life around."

Paul is set to complete the run on July 26.

To donate, click here.Andy's Man Club group sessions have moved online due to the lockdown, with video communication software being used instead.

For more details on the group and the challenge, visit Andy's Man Club Leeds Facebook page by clicking here.