Normal People star Paul Mescal has raised over €70,000 for suicide prevention charity Pieta by raffling off the chain worn by his character Connell in the critically-acclaimed coming-of-age drama. 

The Kildare native starred in the TV adaption of Sally Rooney's novel opposite Daisy Edgar-Jones as Connell's on-off girlfriend Marianne. 

Mescal and Edgar-Jones have become huge international stars since the show aired, as has a rather unexpected item - the chain worn by Connell throughout the intense drama.

In fact, the piece of jewellery has become such a hit with fans, it now has its own Instagram account with over 180k followers.

Mescal decided to donate the famous chain to Pieta in order to raise funds for the suicide prevention charity.

He said he particularly wanted to help Pieta because "suicide and depression are themes directly linked to Normal People."

He added: "Pieta is a cause very close to my heart, having experienced loss due to suicide in my local town while growing up."

The raffle took place on Monday and Mescal announced via Twitter that it raised €70,340. 

The 24-year-old star thanked fans who had participated, saying it was a "huge amount" of money to raise, which "will go a long way in supporting Pieta's vital services".

Normal People first aired on RTÉ in April to widespread critical acclaim. It was made by Dublin company Element Pictures for the BBC and Hulu and co-directed by Irish director Lenny Abrahamson and English director Hettie Macdonald. You can watch the series in full on the RTÉ Player. 

If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please visit: www.rte.ie/helplines.