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I am taking part in an epic world record static bike challenge for charity – and would love your support!
For 30 long and painful hours I’ll be climbing into the saddle and pedalling alongside (virtually speaking!) 24 other nutters on the Rugby League Spin Spectacular for RL Cares and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
I’ve been inspired to put my legs – and my gooch! - through hell by the inspirational attitude of Rob Burrow and his family since he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year. Rob’s devastating news has touched all of us, and the fundraising done by the Rugby League family on his behalf has been outstanding.
I’ll be doing the world record attempt for a cause that is close to my heart, Rugby League Cares. The independent charity has been supporting Rob and hundreds of other current and former players through their journey in the sport. RL Cares will also donation a percentage of what we raise to the MND Association.
So who are RL Cares and what do they do?
Fans don’t see what goes on behind the scenes in RL: they recognise that the sport is physically tough but perhaps can’t appreciate the mental challenges that players face as well.
Most RL players will face injury in their career. This is an uncertain time for a player, which can create anxiety and if the injury is serious can lead to depression and stress. Having someone to talk to is the best way to deal with it, especially if the person you are speaking to has been through something similar and can relate to your problems.
RL Cares provides that support to every player at all levels of the professional game. They recruit former players as mentors who are fully trained and supported by the charity to meet players and help them in times of crisis and anxiety.
RL Cares also helps players prepare for the hardest challenge they will face – leaving the sport at the end of their playing careers. Transitioning isn’t just a change of job, it is a change of life.
One day you are living in a very structured and supported way of life with a regime of training, practice, diet, recovery and matchdays. There are highs and lows, but all of it with your mates. It’s a good life, one which many dream of. Players know they are privileged to have the opportunity, so when the time comes for it to end, it is scary.
The obvious way to deal with transition is to re-educate and get ready for when the time comes to hang up your boots. Getting ready means sorting out finances, taking courses, meeting employers work experience, building your network and expanding your horizons. All sounds easy, exciting event but what happens when you really don’t know what to do after rugby? That’s where RL Cares step in.
The charity helps players make informed decisions, puts them in touch with experts to help them plan their finances; links them up with businesses willing to take on an inexperienced Rugby player as an accountant for a month, or engineer, business leader or plumber; and advises on the best courses to take to gain the qualifications needed to succeed outside sport.
RL Cares makes education grants which contribute to fees and day-to-day support to keep people motivated and focused on their personal development.
And, critically, RL Cares is there when things go wrong.
There are always a small number of guys who struggle with battles against their own demons, and who can end up on a slippery slope involving depression, gambling, and alcohol and substance abuse. I’ve seen blokes lose their wives, girlfriends, homes, kids and ultimately their friends.
You hear people point the finger and make comments that ‘someone’ should have done this or should have done that.
RL Cares is the organisation that is continually intervening to help people get back on their feet. The charity is helping many people suffering hardship in the sport right now: they do this quietly, discreetly and anonymously.
Because of Covid-19, RL Cares has been busier in the last few months than ever before: there are a lot of vulnerable people out there getting much-needed support.
That’s why I’m asking you to support me through this crazy challenge. Please dig deep and sponsor me for as much as you can.