Normal People: Connell actor Paul Mescal selling chain to raise money for charity

Normal People star Paul Mescal is raffling off his much-loved neck chain in order to raise money for a suicide prevention charity.

Ever since the coming-of-age drama hit our television screens, viewers have lauded the adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel of the same name as a small-screen triumph.

And, while the series has been praised for its arresting cinematography and seismic chemistry between the two lead characters, it is the chain worn by Mescal’s character, Connell Waldron, that has really captivated the attention of fans.

So much so, that it has its own Instagram account with 163k followers, increased sales of neck chains by 130 per cent, and has its very own dedicated emoji on Twitter.

To truly cement the piece of jewellery’s viral fame, Mescal has now decided to raffle off his own personal chain in aid of Pieta, an Irish charity that provides support to people who are suicidal, engaging in self-harm or bereaved by suicide.

“I am delighted to be able to help out Pieta by raffling off my chain that has taken on a following of its own since Normal People hit television screens,” Mescal said.

“Pieta is a cause very close to my heart, having experienced loss due to suicide in my local town while growing up.”

He added that he chose Pieta because the series “touches upon depression and suicidal ideation, so it seemed like a very special partnership to want to help those in similar situations”.

“I want to play my part in helping sustain these free services across Ireland”, Mescal said.

The raffle will be open for two weeks from Monday 25 May until Monday 8 June and has so far raised more than €12,000 (£10,000).

To be in with a chance to win the chain and support Pieta, click here and make a donation to enter.

Donations start at €10 (£8.92) , which is the cost to fund one lifesaving call to Pieta’s 24-hour freephone helpline.

To gain additional entries into the draw and boost your chances of winning, people can copy and paste or share the raffle link on all social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

You can also add an “extra” donation if you so wish, and there will also be the option to donate to Pieta without entering the raffle.

If you have been affected by this article, you can contact the following organisations for support: mind.org.uk, nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth, mentalhealth.org.uk, samaritans.org.

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