Romesh Ranganathan shares his 'struggle with suicidal thoughts' as he backs important charity

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has further opened up about having experienced 'suicidal thoughts' whilst promoting a prize draw in support of a mental health charity.

Romesh has been promoting a £2 million home charity prize from Omaze, with tickets for the property raising funds for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), an organisation dedicated to helping anyone who is struggling or in crisis. The comedian, one of the patrons of CALM, has shared that he previously faced a ''struggle with suicidal thoughts''.

In addition to making its Grand Prize Winner a multi-millionaire, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Devon, will raise money for CALM amid the figure that someone in the UK dies by taking their own life every 90 minutes. It's now the leading cause of death for young people, and men under 50.

CALM's suicide prevention helpline, which answers a call every 59 seconds, as reported by the SWNS, has never been more crucial. The charity admits that managing the volume of calls is a challenge. Funds raised from their partnership with Omaze will be used to support the helpline, providing hope for many and keeping loved ones together.

Romesh expressed his support of the partnership, saying: "I'm thrilled that CALM is partnering with Omaze. People may look at me as 'that comedian on the TV' but I know firsthand what it's like to lose a close mate to suicide and also to really struggle with suicidal thoughts."

He added: ''And I know I'm far from the only one - one in five of us will have suicidal thoughts. That's a huge number and it's why, as CALM Patron, I know being involved in the Omaze House Draw is so important. Not only will it mean more people know that CALM is there for them, but it will also help fund their life-saving helpline, so CALM can be there for people when they need it the most."

Omaze has guaranteed CALM a minimum donation of £1 million from the partnership. James Oakes, Chief International Officer at Omaze, commented: "Everyone at Omaze is honoured to be partnering with CALM for our latest house draw."

The winner of the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in Devon will receive the keys to a modern, four-bedroom house near the coastal town of Exmouth. The house boasts panoramic views of the coastline, a guest annexe and a heated swimming pool. The property comes mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered. Additionally, the Grand Prize Winner will be given £250,000 in cash to help them settle in. The winner has the option to live in the house, rent it out for additional income, or sell it whenever they wish to become a cash multi-millionaire. If the winner chooses to rent it out, local estate agents estimate that the property could fetch a long-term rental value of £4,000 per month.

In addition to the grand prize, those who enter online by midnight on Sunday 13th October (Tuesday 15th October for postal entries) also stand a chance to win both a Porsche Cayenne worth over £100,000 and a Porsche Boxster worth over £70,000.

There's also an extra £100,000 cash prize up for grabs in the Monthly Subscriber Cash Draw for Omaze subscribers spending £20 or more. Subscribers are also eligible to enter the July Subscriber Exclusive Flash Draw, with the opportunity to win £10,000 a month, every month, for a year. All Omaze entrants have the chance to win small prizes throughout the draw.

Entries for the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Devon, are now available at omaze.co.uk. The draw closes on Sunday 27th October for online entries and Tuesday 29th October 2024 for postal entries. Entries for the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Yorkshire, are also now available. That draw closes on Sunday 29th of September for online entries and Tuesday 1st October 2024 for postal entries. For full terms and conditions, visit www.omaze.co.uk. No purchase is necessary to enter. Only UK residents over 18 are eligible.

If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.

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