As it is Mental Health awareness week, the Leeds University Men’s Football club are proud to announce a partnership with the charity ‘Mind’ in completing a challenge later this month. Please read this touching story below from one of the lads inspiring our commitment to this amazing charity:

On the 9th December 2021, my world was turned upside down when I lost my Dad to a battle with illness that he'd been suffering with for over 2 years. 

After this was a very dark time in my life, as I no longer had one of the people who had always been there for me and provided me with such a great upbringing. However, upon arrival to the funeral, nearly 20 of my school friends turned up to pay their respects and to show their support. I was overwhelmed that this many people had all thought of being there for me and taken the time out of their lives to make sure I was okay. Upon return to university, I was met with the same support from the lads in the club and from my closest friends outside of football. These small acts of kindness and consideration lifted me up, and really helped me get through a terrible period. 

Fortunately, I am surrounded by people who truly care about me and care about my wellbeing, but this is sadly not the case for everyone. I was able to speak up about my problems, but others do not have this luxury, or do not feel that they able to. My story is just one incident, but issues that people struggle with daily are extremely common, not only within our Football club or even the  University of Leeds, but the country as a whole. 

In order to raise awareness of the importance of being able to speak to someone and that we can overcome challenges better together, myself and other members of the University of Leeds Mens' Football Club will be running a marathon (26.219 miles) over a 26 hour period, starting on the 25th of May and finishing on the 26th on behalf of the charity Mind. This entails running a mile every hour, on the hour. We hope that our fundraiser will spread the important message that you are not alone, that we must continue to be mindful of each other and the importance of checking up regularly on those you love. Mind do incredible work to help people both young and old in tackling the mental health struggles life throws at them - and the club are proud to be contributing towards their great work.

It is okay not to be okay.

Thank you for reading, please donate what you can, and share with your friends and family.

Olly