I'll never get over losing Dad... what I'm doing is a bit of a leap from goalkeeping but I hope I can help and make a difference

LOOKING the part was a fundamental for Paddy O'Neil when he stood between the sticks.

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It was an effective piece of advice passed on by former Hearts and Patrick Thistle goalkeeper Craig Nelson that stuck with the shotstopper throughout his career at Brechin City and Dumbarton.

If you look good, then you'll feel good and those watching from the sidelines will agree you look the part.

Mental wellbeing was always important to O'Neil.

But for the past five years the issue has been his driving force- ever since the biggest and most loyal of those fans on the touchline suddenly wasn't by his side any more.

Next month will mark five years since his dad Danny took his own life at the age of 60.

Tragically he also lost two uncles to suicide.

It's a painful issue that cuts right to the heart of everything the 33-year-old does from trying to be the best son, brother, husband and now dad to his 20-month-old son Joshua, right through to his new venture away from football.

O'Neil hasn't quite hung up the gloves.

But he's placed them on the shelf and instead of diving around goalmouths, he's now thrown himself into the world of fashion.

The successful launch of his company SINNE has seen the brand take off within weeks. And at the heart of it all is a crucial link between looking good and feeling even better.

The brand's mission statement vows to merge fashion with a mission to help mental health initiatives by donating a chunky percentage of sales to charity.

And O'Neil told MailSport: "A lot of people have been affected by this issue, especially in my family.

"It'll be coming up for five years since dad took his own life. The effect it had on me and my family was just devastation.

"My dad did absolutely everything for me, and was always there to give advice.