Calum Best backs men’s mental health charity

Calum Best, son of football legend George, has said a charity match in Staffordshire on Sunday is the "perfect opportunity" to promote men's mental health.

The TV personality is taking part in the match at Hednesford Town FC in memory of two Aston Villa fans, and will play alongside actors Stephen Graham and Danny Dyer.

Mr Best spoke openly about mental health and described recently talking about life issues with the bin man outside his home.

“I love that we’re two grown men being able to talk about the struggles that we’re going through. In my dad’s time, there was none of that.”

George Best died, aged 59, after a high-profile battle with alcoholism

Sunday's event has been organised by Sellebrity Soccer, raising money for the men’s mental health charity, ManUp?

“There shouldn’t be a fear of opening up about what you’re going through. Our charity game is the perfect opportunity to show that,” said Mr Best.

The fixture will be held in memory of Michael Steede and Kieran Lavin, two men from Birmingham who took their own lives in the last year.

Helen Steede, Michael’s sister, described him as the life and soul of the party, a massive Aston Villa fan with an infectious laugh and said his passing had left the whole family in shock.

“He’s left behind four beautiful children with his first grandchild on the way, that he didn’t know about at the time,” she said.

Mr Steele with his family including sister Helen (second from right)

Ms Steede supports the charity because it helps men to share how they are feeling in a safe environment.

“We do not want families to have to go through what we‘ve gone through. We don’t want to see men suffer in silence,” she explained.

The game kicks off at 15:00 BST at Hednesford Town FC.