The birth of CLRTY

My name is Tom Kelly, and I am the founder of CLRTY. But before CLRTY was a name, a logo, or a vision of building a global community , it was a moment in my life that changed everything. For a long time, I struggled silently. Like many men, I became good at hiding what was really going on… until I couldn't. Inside I was fighting battles that nobody could see, and it was just getting heavier and heavier. I thought I had to be strong. I thought I had to handle everything myself. But the truth was, I was struggling more than I ever let anyone know. Then came the darkest moment of my life , a moment where the pain became so heavy that I found myself thinking about taking my own life. The morning after, I woke up. And I remember feeling devastated that I had. I remember the weight of that feeling. The realisation that I was still here, still carrying something I didn't know how to escape. I looked over at Beth, my wife, kissed her on the head and apologised before telling her I loved her. I then walked down the landing, entering my youngest son's room. I kissed him and said: "Sorry son, I love you." I then walked into Oliver's room. I kissed him and said the same thing , "I love you, and I'm so sorry son." I walked back out. And then I heard a little voice say: "Hi Daddy." That moment stopped me. Because in that moment, I was reminded of something I couldn't see clearly before. I was loved. I mattered. And there was still a reason to stay. I found my clarity. My children didn't know the battle I was fighting. They didn't know how close I felt to giving up. They just knew I was their dad. And that was enough. That moment became the reason I knew something had to change. Because I know I am not the only person who has felt that alone. Every day, people are silently fighting battles behind closed doors. Too many men feel they have to hide their emotions, stay strong, and carry everything themselves. CLRTY was born that day. Not just as an app. Not just as a community. But as a movement , built around connection, conversation, and reminding people that they never have to stand alone. Whether it's through running, walking, meeting for a coffee, joining a local group, or simply having somewhere to talk , CLRTY exists to bring people together. Because sometimes it isn't about having all the answers. Sometimes it's about knowing someone is there. My darkest moment became the reason I found my purpose. I want CLRTY to become the place I needed , a place where people feel seen, where people feel heard, where nobody feels like they have to face their hardest days alone. Because no one should ever feel alone. Together we stay. , Tom