The Story Behind Henry’s Match

Everyone at Harmless and The Tomorrow Project is extremely grateful to all our amazing fundraisers who do so much to support our vital life-saving work. Saturday was a particularly poignant occasion as one group of our friends and supporters took to the football field in Bingham for Henry’s Match. Jess Paine – one of the organisers – has shared the story behind this annual event, which we have published below with her permission.

“Two 11-a-side teams of Henry’s team-mates and friends battled through wind and rain for the prestigious Campbell Cup, travelling from far and wide to fundraise for a very important cause.

“Henry Campbell was a young man from Nottingham who, in 2018, took his own life. Henry was a light to so many lives, a much-loved friend who brought smiles and laughter into every room, and a credit to his family.

“Since 2018, Henry’s friends have organised a football fundraiser annually, and this year was the largest yet; an amazing raffle, a humongous tombola, an auction and a live mural creation. The Tomorrow Project were present at the match, speaking before the game and holding a space throughout for conversation, awareness and support.

“Intermittent torrential downpours did not stop the boys and, with a final score of 4-1, the sodden lot all celebrated together, commemorating our beloved friend, treasuring his memory, and appreciating each other. All together, Henry’s Match 2024 raised £5000, taking the grand fundraising total to over £20,000 since the inaugural match.

“Through Henry’s tragic loss, we have learnt the importance of being there for each other, of awareness and of community. We know the value of the support we have received, and we call upon it every year, as a warm reminder: you are not alone, you are seen, you are loved. We love you Henry.”

It goes without saying that the whole Harmless and Tomorrow Project team extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their staunch and continued support, and to Jess for allowing us to share her words.

If you or anybody you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or is in distress following bereavement by suicide, you can get support here.