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Ipswich businessman's bad shirts raise £2,000 for Suffolk Mind

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

An Ipswich entrepreneur has turned flamboyant fashion into a force for good, raising thousands for a local mental health charity through his quirky clothing brand.

John Parnell, founder of digital marketing agency Generate Leads Online (GLO), has donated £2,000 to Suffolk Mind through sales from his online store, Bad Shirt Club, since January 2024.

John Parnell in a bad shirt
GLO and Bad Shirt Club founder John Parnell in a bad shirt with his friend Aine KerlinBad Shirt Club

The big picture: Bad Shirt Club sells eye-catching Hawaiian-style shirts, donating £1 from each sale to the charity.

Why it matters: The project aims to spark conversations about mental health. It was inspired by the loss of Parnell's best friend, Aine Kerlin, in 2022.

What they're saying: "Mental health has always been something close to my heart – and ever since we've lost Aine I've wanted to do everything I can to support the amazing organisations trying to make a difference," Parnell said.

Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind, expressed gratitude for the support: "Bad Shirt Club's products aren't just a fun way of expressing your individuality, they help raise awareness of mental health and encourage important conversations."

Neal also emphasised the importance of community support in achieving Suffolk Mind's mission, saying, "Our mission is to make Suffolk the best place in the world for talking about and taking care of mental health – and we couldn't do that without the support of our local business community."

Key details:

  • Bad Shirt Club sells shirts, shorts, jackets, and hats

  • Each purchase includes a "Toolkit" card with tips on meeting physical and emotional needs

  • Parnell also organised a memorial day for Kerlin at Ipswich Rugby Club last year, raising over £1,700 for Suffolk Mind and East Anglia's Children's Hospices, and GLO has sponsored various Suffolk Mind events

The bottom line: Head over to www.badshirt.club, get a shirt and support an important local charity.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Man charged after St Helen's Street assault leaves victim in hospital

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An argument in Ipswich town centre escalated into an assault that left one man in hospital on Tuesday. Police are now seeking dashcam footage as they build their case.

Why it matters: The incident occurred in a busy area of Ipswich's town centre, with police now seeking public assistance to gather additional evidence as they build their case.

The details: Keith McKenzie, 48, of Bond Street, has been charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm.

  • The assault took place at approximately 21:45 on Tuesday near the junction of St Helen's Street and Bond Street

  • A man in his 30s sustained arm injuries following an argument with an unknown assailant

  • The victim walked to Tavern Street to seek help before being taken to hospital

  • He has since been discharged

What's next: McKenzie appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday, 6 February and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 6 March.

How to help: Detectives want to hear from anyone who was driving in the area between 21:35 and 21:50 on Tuesday with dashcam footage that might have captured the altercation.

The bottom line: Anyone with information should contact South CID at Suffolk Police, quoting reference 37/6562/25, via:

  • Website: suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

  • Phone: 101

  • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 (anonymously)

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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