EMOTIONAL Thomas Skinner has told of the overwhelming messages he receives from suicidal men praising him for “saving their lives”.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, famous for posting motivational videos from Dino’s Cafe in Spitalfields Market, says he wanted to cut through the negativity online by offering words of encouragement to his followers.
Thomas Skinner shares inspirational video messages from Dino’s Cafe in London[/caption]
The TV personality was partnered with Amy Dowden on Strictly Come Dancing[/caption]
The 34-year-old was surprised to discover however, that his daily routine had impacted those struggling.
So much so, some men claim they were “about to do the unthinkable” when seeing Thomas’s video changed their mind.
Thomas told The Sun: “It’s overwhelming to know doing something so small could make such a difference.
“It’s hit me hard and reminded me of what’s important.
In messages seen by The Sun, Thomas’s followers have described him as a “hero” who was there for them when they were “ready to throw in the towel”.
One alcoholic who had relapsed after being sober for more than six years, told Thomas he intended to take his own life moments before watching one of the star’s videos talking about “consistency, graft and joy when talking about the future“.
Another, who wished to remain anonymous because his wife and kids were unaware of his personal struggle, said: “I was in a really dark place. Your words gave me strength when I had nothing left”.
Thomas added: “Social media can be a dark place. I’ve had to put up with a hell of lot of abuse online since signing up to Strictly.
“But I’ve been really moved this week after receiving messages from men who confided in me that my videos had stopped them from ending their lives.
“Out of all the millions of views I get, if just one person is helped, then it’s a success in my eyes.
“I’ll never stop spreading positivity and love online because you never know what someone’s going through.”
Thomas was the first celebrity to be eliminated from this year’s Strictly.
Despite his early exit, Thomas returned to social media to keep spreading his message to “keep going, no matter what”.
He wrote on X: “It doesn’t matter if you’re tired, skint, or if life keeps knocking ya down. What matters is that you keep going. The people who win in life ain’t the lucky ones… they’re the ones who refuse to quit.
keep going, no matter what
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
“People are gonna doubt ya. Some will laugh at ya. Others will do everything they can to hold you back. You rise above it. You stay focused. You keep pushing for the ones who love you, believe in you, and want to see you win.
“Every bit of struggle you face today is shaping the person you’re meant to become. So stand tall, hold ya head high, and go again.”
In a new motivational message to fans today, Thomas added: “Tough times don’t last but tough people do. Keep going you lovely people. It will get better. Bosh.”
