Scunthorpe Raise Mental Health Awareness
Scunthorpe RUFC’s James Walker was an important part of his club when he took his own life last November at the age of 23.
His death hit the club and James’ team mates hard, as well as the wider rugby family. England internationals, prominent referees and local businesses have all put their weight behind in Scunthorpe’s ensuing determination to raise awareness of mental health issues, particularly in young men.
The Samaritans report that suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK. In 2018, 759 young people took their own life in the UK and Republic of Ireland. “Every single one of these deaths is a tragedy that devastates families, friends and communities,” says the charity.
Said the Scunthrorpe club’s Hon Secretary, Malcolm Yates: “James’ death was a totally unexpected tragedy and one that his family, close friends and our club have had great difficulty in coming to terms with. James joined us from Lincoln RUFC and made an immediate positive effect, both on and off the field, as an open and friendly person with considerable talent and ability to succeed on the rugby field.
“The players and the club as a whole wanted to achieve something positive from this tragedy and through various initiatives we are trying to raise £50,000 for a local mental health fund, ‘One For The Lads’. The response from the rugby family to this appeal has been phenomenal. Many clubs in the Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire Constituent Body have greatly supported the appeal in many ways and we sincerely thank them.”
One of the pre-Christmas events was an evening game between players from Lincolnshire Clubs and Scunthorpe’s Stags team, when NLDRFU Referees Society provided a team of three. The proceeds of the club summer ball will also go towards the fund and there will be further events and fund raising activities.
Clubs within the Midland Premiership Division and all the clubs that Scunthorpe are playing this season in National 2 North have been at the forefront of generous support.
Said Malcolm: “Our club is truly humbled by the way clubs have come to our support and I would like to thank Sheffield Tigers for the evening they held specifically devoted to mental health problems in young men. There has also been strong support from the sponsors of our club.
“We hope that by raising money and awareness of the problems of mental health in young people we may be successful in helping to prevent a similar tragic event.”
Anyone wanting to contribute can do so at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/scunnyrufc
