Game On for Good: 24 Hours for Samaritans
Streaming to support mental health and save lives across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
In the past five years, I’ve lost seven friends — all men — to suicide. It’s a heartbreaking reality and a reminder of how hard it can be, especially for men, to open up about their mental health. But suicide affects everyone — men, women, teenagers — and it leaves no life untouched.
That’s why I’m joining this 24-hour fundraising event in support of Samaritans, who are there 24/7 for anyone in crisis. While I won’t be live for the full 24 hours, I’ll be streaming as much as I can — aiming to raise €200 to help keep their life-saving work going.
Every donation, big or small, helps fund local branches and makes a real difference. Together, we can turn hours of gameplay into hours of hope.
My Achievements
Self Donated
Number of donations (10 donations)
Reached Fundraising Goal
Increased Target Over (200)
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My Updates
Who I am and Why I am taking part
Tuesday 8th JulHi, I’m Maurizio — or MaxMartello if you’ve caught me streaming on Twitch.
I’m a gamer, streamer, published fantasy author I’m also a bit of an introvert.
I know everyone says this, but I really do cringe when I see myself on camera — it’s not my thing, which is why when I stream, there isnt a camera on me. I’m way more comfortable behind the controller than in front of the lens.
I mostly play survival, battle royale, and platform games like Apex Legends, ARK: Survival Evolved, Fortnite, PGA Tour Golf, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. I stream mostly on Xbox, but sometimes on PS4 or PC.
When I’m streaming solo, I’m usually a bit quiet — but when I’m playing with friends, that’s when my weird sense of humor really kicks in. My channel’s called How Not To Play... because I make plenty of mistakes, but we have a laugh along the way. I try to keep the stream PG, but sometimes a few "naughty words" or innuendo-based jokes slip through. You've been warned.
On July 17th from 4PM, I’ll be taking part in a 24-hour charity stream for Samaritans — an incredible organisation that offers 24/7 support to people in emotional distress or crisis.
Now to be clear — I won’t be streaming for the full 24 hours, but I’ll stream as much as I can, and hopefully with a few friends joining me in the stream too. My goal is to raise €200, and I’d love your help getting there.
This cause is deeply personal to me. Over the last five years, I’ve lost seven friends — all men — to suicide. It’s devastating, and a reminder of how hard it can be for people, especially men, to talk about what they’re going through. But mental health affects everyone — men, women, and teenagers too — and Samaritans are there for anyone, day or night.
If you want to be part of the team, you’re more than welcome to join here:
👉 fundraise.samaritans.ie/join/ctrlsupport
Or if you’d like to support the cause, you can donate here:
💚 fundraise.samaritans.ie/fundraisers/ctrlsupport
You’ll find the stream at twitch.tv/maxmartello, starting July 17th at 4PM.
Thanks for reading, for supporting, and for helping make a difference. 💚
Let’s game for something that really matters.
