IT’S FINE TO TALK AND ASK FOR A BIT OF HELP

JODY LYNCH hopes by going public on his recent brush with death due to a longtime alcohol addiction will encourage others to reach out for help.

The 31-year-old former Cliftonville winger took to Twitter earlier this week to reveal that he recently suffered kidney and liver failure due to

“drink and

drugs”.

Alongside a photograph of him lying on a hospital bed (above), the Belfast man wrote: “Hard to put a pic up but it’s the truth of what it will do to you if you let your addiction take over.”

Belfast boxer Michael Conlan (inset, bottom) and Hearts striker Liam Boyce (inset top) were both quick to offer their support alongside a raft of past and present Irish League stars.

Former Reds team-mate Boyce described Lynch as a “top man”, while

Conlan tweeted:

“Well done Jody, keep going mate.”

Current

Cliftonville striker

Joe Gormley wrote

“keep up the good work mate” while title-winning

Reds captain

George Mcmullan added: “Great to see you on the other side of it.”

“All the messages of support mean a lot,” said Lynch. “It has been unbelievable, especially coming from the likes of Michael Conlan and others. “Michael, Liam, Joe and George come from similar areas as me and they will know the challenges young people face in parts of Belfast.

“I felt it was important to speak out and it’s like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I hope by talking honestly, it helps others who are facing the same challenges. I wanted to put my tweet out there and say, ‘It’s OK to talk it’s OK to seek help’.

“I know there are a lot of young kids out there drinking and taking drugs and if this helps one of them sit up, take notice and get help, it will be worthwhile.

“You don’t have to live a lie and nobody will judge you harshly if you make an effort to get your life back on track. Everyone has problems and this can happen to anyone.” Lynch, who is back training with his local club St Oliver Plunkett, added: “Don’t be afraid to open up and talk. I feel I’m blessed that I have another chance.

“We are all human. You’re only here once and it’s important you try to be the best version of yourself possible.

“That’s what I’m focused on now.”