FOOTBALLER PAL LEE SAVED MY LIFE
Ex-player Mair intervenes to stop school chum committing suicide
A SUICIDAL friend of footballer Lee Mair says he owes his life to the former Dons star.
Chris Loggie said Lee reached out to him in his darkest hour and helped him on the road to recovery. Chris had tried to take his own life several times. After he posted a desperate message on social media, Lee feared he might try again – and stepped in.
A CHILDHOOD friend of footballer Lee Mair has revealed he owes his life to the former Aberdeen star.
Chris Loggie, 38, has attempted suicide several times and has opened up on how Lee reached out to him in his darkest hour.
Lee, who plays for Dumbarton FC, was extremely worried about his old pal’s safety after reading a distressing post on social media.
Three weeks ago, Chris attempted to take his own life and after being discharged from hospital, he posted a desperate message to friends telling them just how bad he was feeling.
Chris, from Aberdeen, said: “I was in such a dark place. I still feel guilty about what I did but at that time I felt like I didn’t want to live. When I tried to take my own life, that’s when I knew I needed help and quickly. But I was a bit reluctant to ask because I really didn’t want to be here any more.”
Lee, who also played with Dundee United, St Mirren, Partick Thistle and Stranraer, checked in with his pal after reading the heartbreaking message. He urged Chris to contact mental health charity Back Onside, founded by Libby Emmerson.
Lee said: “I was best mates with Chris in primary school and have kept in touch with him on Facebook over the years. After reading the post he put on social media saying he wanted to end his life, I was really concerned for him.
“I sent him a message straight away asking if he was OK and he got back to me the following day after he was discharged from hospital.
“When he told me he had tried to take his own life the night before, and hearing just how bad a place he was in, I knew I needed to help him.
“I asked him to make a promise to me and that was that he phoned the number I was going to give him. He assured me he would and I was so relieved and happy to hear he got in touch with Libby at Back Onside the next day.”
Chris, who played football with Lee when they were at Springhill Primary School, added: “I owe Lee my life.
“He could have just skipped past my post on Facebook and not even bothered – but for him to reach out to me and support me was amazing.
“It was my first step towards my recovery and I can’t express just how much I appreciate him reaching out to me.” Chris, still receiving care at Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen, said: “I’m now living for today, not for tomorrow.”
Libby travelled to Aberdeen to offer Chris help. She spoke to his doctor and arranged for him to remain in hospital while they worked out a plan.
Lee continued to offer support and contacted their old school football team. He got them together after 25 years to surprise Chris with a visit to to cheer him up.
The following week, Chris went out on escorted leave and played in a match with some of his old mates.
Libby said: “This blew Chris away and he started to believe just how many people love and care for him, something he has really been struggling with over the years.”
Chris said: “Contacting Libby at Back Onside was the best decision I could have made. The support I have received from Libby, Lee, my family and friends has been unbelievable. For the first time in years, I have been able to open up to someone and that feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.” Chris hopes he can give others the courage to speak up and get help too. He said: “If I can help just one person, it will make it worthwhile. I feel like I can now look forward to the future and be here for my children, family and my amazing friends.” Libby said: “I’m so proud of Chris. That first call was probably the hardest and bravest thing he has done and to be so honest and open during it was nothing short of amazing.” Lee said: “What Libby has done for Chris in such a short space of time is wonderful. She’s a diamond and is going out of her way to support him.” ●To contact Back Onside, call 07528243100 or email info@backonside