'Second chance' at life Football fan sets out on walk for Samaritans

LOOKING at Paul Lloyd you see a smiley, active 49-year-old man.

- Megan BANNER

But as in so many cases, behind the grin he’s struggled with a long mental health battle. It was just eight months ago Paul, from Yate, was in intensive care after trying to take his own life in November.

Paul, pictured inset, the chairman of DRG Frenchay football club, said he’s been “given a second chance” after that day.

“I've had mental health issues for around 10 years. I've had serious depression and I've been diagnosed with bipolar.

“During Covid I got treatment but in November last year I hit a really bad patch and attempted to take my own life. I died four times and was in the ICU (intensive care unit) for a long time. I was unconscious for days, it was a very bad time.”