Richie Maxwell memorial raises funds for Andy's Man Club

From heartbreaking tragedy to raising awareness and funds, the first Richie Maxwell Memorial Festival took place at Sauchie Juniors FC this August.

Nearly 20 teams turned out for the massive festival, which was followed up by a sold-out charity night in aid of Andy’s Man Club.

As reported in April, the club was brought to Alloa in a bid to offer a safe space for men to talk each week.

Dozens and dozens more have rallied around for the football event in memory of the 38-year-old dad of two, a year after he sadly passed away.

An “all-round, absolutely fantastic guy”, Richie helped spool up the 2017s team at Sauchie Juniors with the squad keen to pay tribute to his memory.

Sadly, no one saw the tragedy coming with Richie described as one of the most fun and positive guys around.

It is feared the stigma around men’s feelings and mental health, and a lack of places to turn to, played a big part in the tragedy that unfolded.

After a difficult first-year anniversary of Richie’s death, widow Paula Maxwell opened up to the Advertiser in hopes to shatter the stigma around men’s mental health, and to do away with the “man up” attitude ingrained in society.

Paula said: “Men, in particular, mask what they feel.

“I knew he was struggling a wee bit with his mental health but we had tried to work on it, it was just for a short period of time – but he didn’t speak about it.

“And then – before you know it, it’s too late.”

Richie was described as an 'amazing dad' and a 'great husband' who always worked hard (Image: Family photo)

Remembering her dear husband, the Tillicoultry woman said: “He was an amazing dad, a great husband, really hard working.

“He was just an all-round good guy, always fun, up for a laugh.

“I would never-ever in a million years would have believed anything like that would have happened.”

Paula explained she felt there was nothing in the area that would support men in a crisis and so she was keen for George Peat, a family friend, to bring Andy’s Man Club to the Wee County.

However, she said there’s still little help for those left behind.

“I just wouldn’t want anybody to suffer like we did, or for a man to feel like they have nowhere to go, so I feel like Andy’s Man Club gives some people a wee bit of hope – maybe somebody to speak to,” she continued

“It’s not always easy for guys to talk to their wives, partners or mums.

“They say men should ‘man up’ – and that’s not true.

“I’ve two wee boys, I want them to know it’s alright to be not alright; it’s okay not to be okay.”

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The memorial festival was organised by fellow volunteer coach Jason Thomson.

The 2017s were keen to keep Richie's memory alive (Image: Contributed)

The pair were instrumental in supporting the 2017s squad, playing a “good cop, bad cop” routine where Richie was always the fun, positive figure.

Jason was keen to keep Richie’s memory alive through the festival, which raised an incredible £3,360 for Andy’s Man Club.

Teams came from all over the central belt and beyond for the festival and tickets flew off the shelves for the charity night, supported by Clacks acoustic band Rewired Duo.

The day and evening event received support from many in the wider community with thanks going to all, including headline sponsors 123 Fencing and Landscaping.

Jason was “absolutely overwhelmed” with people’s generosity and said: “Nobody would ever have even thought in their wildest dreams that Richie was struggling or had difficulties in the background.

“He was always positive, so happy, he loved his family, he was so devoted to his boy playing football.

“That’s all he went on about – just how much loved he had for his wife and his two sons.

“It was just so unexpected.”

It is hoped the memorial football festival can become an annual occasion.

Men can head along to the Hawkhill Community Centre meeting each Monday from 7pm or visit andysmanclub.co.uk for more information or to find other groups in the UK.