Driffield RUFC Raises £10,000 for Mental Health Charity
Driffield Rugby Union Football Club recently donated £10,000 to a local mental health charity to help fund local support services.
The club’s efforts were inspired by the memory of Ollie Robinson-Booth, a former member who tragically took his own life aged 21.
Driffield RUFC Chairman, Simon Hornby, said: “When Ollie passed away in 2023, the club really pulled together to try and make a difference and raise as much money as possible to go towards this fantastic charity.”
Driffield RUFC were determined to create lasting change and have since worked to promote mental health awareness both on and off the pitch, involving players, members, and the wider community in events and initiatives supporting mental health services.
A year of fundraising and awareness
Throughout 2024, players, members, and supporters came together to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.
One of the standout initiatives was the Movember Challenge, where over 30 club members grew moustaches to raise awareness about men’s mental health, collectively raising an impressive £3498.75.
By the end of the year, fundraising efforts had reached £9,840, which the club rounded up to £10,000 before presenting the donation to Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.
Beyond fundraising, Driffield RUFC has also invited the charity to club events, ensuring players, members, and their families have access to support and resources.
Hornby added: “If the money we have raised can help even one person, we have reached our goal. We’re incredibly proud of what our members have achieved over the past 12 months and look forward to continuing our support for the charity in the future.”
A Lasting Impact
Marie-Louise Robinson, Community Fundraiser at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, expressed gratitude for the club’s efforts.
She said: “We are deeply moved by the extraordinary support from Driffield RUFC. Their efforts not only raised an incredible amount of money but also sent a powerful message about the importance of mental health and supporting one another.
“Ollie’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of why this work is so important, and the way the Club and community have rallied together in his memory is truly inspiring.”
For more information on mental health support, visit Hull and East Yorkshire Mind’s website.
