Paul Gascoigne claims his tragic nephew begged him for help - just weeks before he died.
The former Newcastle United and Tottenham star helped carry Jay Kerrigan’s coffin at his funeral.
The 22-year-old had a struggled with his mental health throughout his life.
He was found dead in April 2016 at his girlfriend’s home from a suspected overdose.
Speaking ahead of Jay’s inquest next month, Gazza told the Daily Star Sunday he is desperate to make sure other young people do not suffer the same fate.
“It hurts to lose my nephew... I lost him and ended up in rehab,” the ex-England star said.
“I want to support anyone that is suffering like my nephew did.
“I’m hoping to save other people’s lives as I’ve lost my nephew, who said to me, ‘Uncle Paul they won’t help me’.”
Jay’s mum and Paul’s sister, Anna Kerrigan, believed her son accidentally took too many painkillers.
She had begged for him to be sectioned due to his self-harming and increased prescription drug use.
Gazza said: “What did he have to do to get help?
“My sister, who I love so much, tried to get the mental health people to help him.
“He was in need of help, but they said he was not appropriate to receive any.”
Two years on from Jay’s death, Anna still doesn’t have a death certificate.
The inquest into her son’s death is due to begin on September 25.
Anna, a charity worker from Dunston, Gateshead, is appealing for donations for legal representation.
“Talented” and “intelligent” Jay, a poet and songwriter, had hoped to sit A-levels, his mum previously revealed.
However, he quit school due to his depression and OCD, which was so bad he even feared blinking.
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/justice-for-jay-lennon-gascoigne .
