Last August Matthew Legg was struck with such crippling depression that even being awake was a difficulty.

His love of speaking Spanish disappeared and the University of Bath student was forced to defer his studies for a year.

Matt is hugely thankful of his family and friends for the network of support they provided and, having made a full recovery, wants to give back to charities which are aiming to reduce the rate of male suicide.

The 21-year-old has raised more than £5,000 in donations from 78 people.

He sees himself as a regular lad and is speaking out to help others who find themselves in a similar position.

Matt, from Surrey, said: "I was left at times feeling unable to hold a conversation, exercise or speak Spanish (a passion of mine). Just being awake was an effort.

"It was by far the worst period of my life and traumatic for those around me who also suffered seeing a loved one experience mental illness.

"Throughout my episode I received the correct medical and psychological treatment and am now thriving back in Bath keeping myself busy until I can resume my studies in October."

He added: "I’m a regular (even if mates disagree) lad like most out there who end up suffering from depression and other forms of mental illness.

"Fortunately, I had a huge support base specifically my family, my close friends and my girlfriend. I also had financial support.

"Some people aren’t anywhere near as lucky as I was in my situation."

Matt points out that suicide is the country's biggest killer of men aged 45 and under, claiming the lives of 84 men in this age range a week.

"These statistics are truly horrendous when we consider how preventable many male suicides really are when each case is treated appropriately," he said.

"Prevention and reduction of male suicide is definitely achievable."

With the help of his cousin, Matt is looking to do just that. The duo are working alongside the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm) to put on a football tournament in Wembley next month with live music, food and televised sport for attendees.

(Image: Getty)

Donations to Calm will:

fund support to men in the UK, of any age, who are feeling down or in crisis via its helpline, webchat and website

challenge a culture that prevents men seeking help when they need it

push for changes in policy and practice so that suicide is better prevented

support those bereaved by suicide, through the charity's support after suicide partnership which aims to ensure that everyone bereaved or affected by suicide is offered and receives timely and appropriate support

The other charities being supported are Shaw Foundation and Project 84 among others.

"Come on people, let’s play our role to help stop one person at the least taking their own lives and changing their family and friends lives as well as society forever," he said.

If you'd like to donate to Matt's cause, you can do so here.

How to enter

The seven-a-side tournament will be held at the Ark Elvin Academy in Wembley on Saturday, June 16.

Run during the World Cup, teams will choose a country from this summer's tournament to represent.

It is open to people of all ages and gender and costs £100 per team (around £11 a person) and all profits will go to suicide prevention charities.

Matt aims to get former professional footballers for star support and promises to reveal names closer to the time.

People are also invited to watch the action from the sidelines and enjoy the non-football entertainment.

Email matthewdlegg2@gmail.com to enter.

Show more

Want news to your phone? Bath Live runs a WhatsApp group to help you keep up to date with the latest news. If you'd like to receive news alerts, save the number 07939 497390 to your phone - we recommend saving the contact as 'Bath Live News' - then send the word NEWS to us via WhatsApp.

We will send you a maximum of four messages a day and your phone number won't be shared with other members of the group or used for any other purpose.