In the last few months, I have started training with a newly created Rugby League team called Hull Knights RL. This team has been set up to raise money for 3 fantastic charities, as well as helping with the mental health of the players, whilst getting fit in the process. Every penny raised will be donated to the charities, and every player involved is excited to make a difference.

As a team, we are going to be playing Rugby League matches against ex professional (as well as some current) players - some of which are real legends of the game! Over 50 legends have agreed to give up their time to play against us in a host of matches, held at multiple locations across the UK - with plans in the future to do so internationally. This is equally exciting, as it is daunting to be playing against some real legends of the game, players who we have grown up admiring, and now we will be getting tackled by them!

The first match is going to be held in Hull, on November 10th 2024. For the first match, as well as supporting the teams 3 main charities, there will also be donations made to 3 further charities. The primary charities are:

P.A.U.L for Brain Recovery - a free community service that provides support, guidance and education to individuals and families affected by Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in Hull and the surrounding areas. They also campaign to raise awareness, improve services and promote understanding of brain injury. (https://paulforbrainrecovery.co.uk/)

Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) - in Rugby League circles, and across the UK in the last few years, the story of Rob Burrow touched the hearts of many. Rob was a fantastic player that we all grew up watching, and raising money for MNDA is our way to support Rob's legacy and support a fantastic charity. (https://www.mndassociation.org/)

Steve Prescott Foundation - Steve Prescott was a Rugby League player, who played for a few teams, including Hull FC. In 2006 Steve was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) a rare form of Cancer, which sadly took his life but not without Steve raising fantastic amounts of money for Charity whilst suffering with this cruel disease. The Steve Prescott Foundation raises money for the following charities - The Christie, and Try Assist. The Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 40,000 patients a year. This is where Steve was treated. Try Assist, previously known as The Rugby League Benevolent Fund, aims to support players whose lives are affected by serious injuries while playing the game of Rugby League. (https://www.steveprescottfoundation.co.uk/)

We will also be making donations to the following charities folllowing this first match - Sands (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity), Chasing Rainbows Charity and Epilepsy Action.

Each player needs to raise £50 for every match they intend to play, and I intend to play in every match that is set up as they are for fantastic causes. Please donate what you can x