A Glasgow rapper who is a huge Celtic fan has opened up about his mental health struggles as he prepares to host a 32-team football tournament in aid of a men's mental health charity.
Bemz will be heading the charity tournament at Goals, in the Shawlands area, this afternoon with kick-off expected to commence from 12pm.
Hundreds of football fanatics have teamed up to take part in the M4 Cup tournament today with Bemz, who lives in the city centre, hoping to take home the trophy as he joins other Glaswegians for a good cause.
The tournament aims to raise as much money as possible for Glasgow-based mental health charity, Brothers in Arms - a self-referring service where men can access support without going to their GP.
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Brothers in Arms also offer self-management tools and qualified therapy that is available for adults aged 18 and over.
This charity is one close to Bemz's heart as shares his own struggles with mental health and the support he received from them.
The 29-year-old told Glasgow Live: "I never really knew what it was until a tragic thing happened in my life, it was to do with the loss of family members and that kind of brought everything to the forefront of my mind.
"It was never really okay for men to speak about issues. At first, I got on with it and said it is what it is.
"It wasn’t until you reach that breaking point and you realise you can’t ‘it is what it is’ your way out of not being mentally okay.
"With therapy, I am able to fight the battle I face on a daily basis. It’s not something you can heal overnight and I am still dealing with it and trying my best to be better.
"Over the years I’ve done work for this charity who are a good cause and they help young men realise that it’s okay not to be okay.
"I know there’s a lot of young men in the community who feel like they can’t allow themselves to be sad and are suffering. If you feel like things are getting on top of you, go and speak to people.
"It’s okay to be sad and voice that you are not doing well. Nobody will ever know unless you tell them."
A GoFundMe page has been set up with 50% of proceeds going to the charity while the remaining 50% will be allocated to a charity chosen by the winner.
The fundraiser has so far reached over £2,500 and climbing with Bemz 'mind-boggled' by the support he has received with donations as well as sponsorships for the event.
A minimum £10 donation enters you into a raffle with 20 prizes up for grabs including a Celtic FC kit, gloves signed by Joe Hart, a signed Rangers FC top, a tour of Celtic Park, and much more.
Bemz added: "I have done work for Brother’s in Arms in the past so I thought how cool would it be if we used this opportunity to raise money for charity.
"It was supposed to be something small but it just grew and we ended up getting sponsors from people and a lot of teams wanted to play. I am really excited but nervous too.
"It’s vital to provide them with funding to allow them to carry on the good work they are doing.
"The support has been mind-boggling, I never thought people would come out the way that they did. It’s amazing and I am very grateful for all the support.
"Thank you to everyone for the support. It’s all very much appreciated."
Glaswegians have been invited to pop down to watch the game unfold before one team gets their hands on that all-important trophy.
Goals is located on 941 Pollokshaws Road, Shawlands, G41 2DX with kick-off commencing from 12pm today (June 17).
Support the fundraising appeal for Brothers in Arms here.
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