Tom Stephenson

Tom's Try for 5

Fundraising for Restart
£37,721
raised of £20,000 target
Donations cannot currently be made to this page
Try for 5 , 12 May 2021
Restart

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1113160
We develop and fund programmes to support ill or injured rugby players

Story

During my career as a professional rugby player i experienced many highs, and many lows in the form of injuries. Unfortunately, the low times impacted me more than I ever knew at the time, and I spiralled into depression and drinking heavily during my injuries. This not only impacted my rugby career, but also my personal life, and I ended up leaving the game at the age of 26. 

I found myself in a position where I wasn't prepared in any shape to enter the real world of work, I had no work experience, no degree, and no idea what I wanted to do. All things which i neglected during my career, I was caught up in the rugby dream. All of this was terrifying in its own right, and I again spiralled into heavy drinking and depression, but this time because I never dealt with the trauma I experienced with my injuries, I was a lot worse, and it all came crashing down. I was drinking excessively, and ended up in a dark and scary place. 

It wasn't until some events took place which made me seek help, and tell my family and the people who were closest to me. When I began opening up and receiving professional support, I realised this is something I should've done a long time ago. Like many men, I would bottle everything up, push it aside, and leave it to simmer. Looking back, I believe I did this mainly because I didn't fully understand the consequences of not talking about your problems, and about mental health in general. 

On the 12th May, I will be running five marathons in five days to help break down the stigma around mental health and raise vital funds to go towards Restart’s work in providing professional mental health support to rugby players, like me.

We are fortunate to have charities like Restart rugby, who are there for injured players, and also run a full time counselling service for Male and Female rugby players who are in need of it. But most importantly are creating awareness and educating players about mental health, so that they can be more aware of early signs that they might not be alright. Like so many charities over the last 12 months, restarts income has taken a huge hit, and for this reason they need as much help so that they continue there great work! 

Any donations would be hugely appreciated! 

Thank you

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About the charity

Restart

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1113160
Restart is the official charity of The Rugby Players' Association. We provide financial, practical and emotional support to professional rugby players forced to retire through illness or injury.

Donation summary

Total raised
£37,720.50
+ £32.50 Gift Aid
Online donations
£25,180.50
Offline donations
£12,540.00

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