Former professional footballer & leukaemia patient launches mental health clothing brand

New clothing brand Not On Your Tod started by ex-professional footballer Chris Todd, aims to raise awareness of mental health by encouraging people to talk.

Former leukaemia patient and founder Chris is an inspiration to all. Having experienced a diagnosis and battle with leukaemia, he knows the affect a life changing diagnosis can have, turning lives upside down out of the blue.

Chris said 'In 2009 I was diagnosed with leukaemia, a cancer in the blood. In that moment, everything in my life changed. I struggled to reach out to people around me. All I knew is that I didn't want to hurt my family, or transfer the pain I was feeling onto them in anyway. Suddenly, through not knowing how to open up, I found myself feeling alone and incredibly vulnerable.'

His aim with this new venture is to encourage people to talk by wearing the brand with pride, whatever their story.

The business will also be supporting charities with 10% of all profits. We’re extremely proud to be the first and look forward to working alongside this great brand both now, and in the future.

Exeter Leukaemia Fund's Development Manager Gary Moore said 'Exeter Leukaemia Fund is honoured to have been selected as the first beneficiary of the Not On Your Tod clothing brand. Chris’s story is an inspiration to all, and we hope that the connection with this fantastic brand will empower our patients through their own blood cancer journeys. The phrase ‘not on your tod’ is exactly what Exeter Leukaemia Fund is about. We’re here for not only patients, but their family members also. We want everybody to feel they are not alone and can approach us for support with any difficulties they may have.’

To read more about Chris's story and the brand, please visit Our Story – Not On Your Tod

Alongside sales supporting Exeter Leukaemia Fund, ELF patients and supporters can also receive 15% OFF the Not On Your Tod range by entering code ELF15.