A YOGA teacher is holding a free men’s only class to support a cause close to her heart.

Toni Aspinall will run the session on Thursday, September 19 between 8pm and 9pm at Fit n Funky Gym at Victoria Mill in Atherton in aid of suicide charity PAPYRUS after the death of her step-brother James Williams last year.

Following the dad-of-three’s passing at the age of 34, Toni was determined to raise awareness that there is help available.

The 42-year-old is encouraging people to reduce the stigma of suicide by speaking openly about it.

Mum-of-two Toni, from Atherton, said: “Losing someone so young, with three children was beyond devastating for my entire family.

“If only James knew just how loved he really was.

“I hope that through raising awareness more men can reach out when they need help.

“The dedicated work and support that PAPYRUS delivers is incredibly close to my heart.

“It is one of the smaller charities, but with a large agenda, with the majority of its funding coming from fundraising.”

Atherton Laburnum Rovers Football Club players believe their state of mind has improved greatly since Toni has delivered classes for them.

“Yoga really allowed me to see an alternative way to not just recover, but relax my body and mind too,” said player Lucas Robinson.

Manager David Jones stresses “the importance of educating players on the benefit of body and mind recovery and maintaining a healthy mind set at all times".

Goalkeeper Dan Havern added: “Flexibility is key and a huge additional tool for me to be successful. I can’t recommend this programme enough.”

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Suicide is the main cause of death of young people under 35.

Nationally, more than 1,600 people take their own lives every year with three quarters of them being men.

Fundraising officer at PAPYRUS, Liam Durkan, said: This is amazing support, helping us to reach out to more young people who are struggling between life and death, as well as those who are worried that a young person they know, male or female, could be having thoughts of suicide.”

Participants are asked to give a £5 donation for the class tonight to support the charity’s HOPELINEUK helpline services, teaching and community programmes.

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice, contact PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK on 0800 0684141, text 07786 209697 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.