One Year, No Beer.

As many of you know, myself and friends of the University of Leeds Rugby League Society were impacted greatly by the loss of our friend, James Burke, earlier this year. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45, suggesting that there is a huge problem to deal with; the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, such as depression, and men. For this reason, I have decided to raise money for the James Burke Foundation, set up by Burkey’s mum, Sharon. The aim of the foundation is to raise awareness of the signs of depression and break the stigma that accompanies mental health and suicide by targeting universities, grass roots clubs and other organisations and groups.

Starting on Tuesday, October 10th I will be abstaining from all forms of alcohol for one whole year. My friends will know that I love a beer, or a few, and will understand that this is a big challenge to set myself. Alcohol, is a depressant, and therefore it seems appropriate to raise awareness of the charity and the issues it battles by abstaining from it. During the course of the year, I aim to consider my own mental wellbeing, to help break down personal and societal expectations of how a man should hold himself, while also encouraging those around me to do the same.