Andy Irons was a hero and role model to surfers all over the world. But his untimely death in 2010, aged just 32, opened up a darker side of his life previously unseen by the public.
Eight years later, the story of his struggle with mental illness and addiction is being told by the people who knew him best in a new biopic, Andy Irons: Kissed By God.
While not on general release in the UK, a group of North Devon surfers have organised a screening at the Landmark in Ilfracombe where 100% of the profits raised will go to good causes: @Worryingcyclist, who is raising money for Mental Health by cycling around the world; and Jojo, a young girl with a rare genetic condition called Prader-Willi Syndrome, which necessitates specialist physiotherapy.
Ian Blake, owner of Bay Spas Hot Tubs and an organiser of the event, comments: “By putting on this event, we’re hoping to turn Andy Irons’ story of struggle into something positive for our community.”
Big Wave Surfer Andrew Cotton, who will host the event, said: “Andy Irons’ was a legend and inspired so many of us to follow what we love doing. I’ve got no doubt he’d be stoked to see his story being used as a force for good. I also can’t wait to see it.”
The screening will be on July 26th 2018 at the Landmark Theatre.
Tickets cost £10 and are available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kissed-by-god-andy-irons-charity-film-night-tickets-47920889671?utm_term=eventurl_text
Event updates and further information can be found on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/471588676628155/?ti=ia
All profits from the event will go to @WorryingCyclist and Jojo Shapland.
