A team of believe housing colleagues has raised £2,390 for men’s suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club after taking part in a corporate football tournament.
Colleagues from across the County Durham-based housing association formed a five-a-side team and impressed both on and off the pitch.
After triumphing in the regional heats, they progressed to the Business Fives All Britain Final earlier this year and reached the last 16.
Inspired by their own experiences and a desire to support men’s mental health, the team used the event to raise money for Andy’s Man Club, which provides free, peer-to-peer support groups for men aged 18 and over across the UK.
Their original target was doubled by the Executive Management Team.
Planner Ross Roberts and Bricklayer Benjamin Wilson also went to hair-raising lengths to encourage donations, having their heads shaved to boost sponsorship.
Ross said: “I was really proud to represent Andy’s Man Club with the lads.
“Men’s mental health is something very close to my heart. I lost my brother, Gareth, to suicide at the end of 2023 and it shattered my world.
“I felt compelled and motivated, in his memory, to go out and achieve — and exceed — our target. We started with a modest target of £500, then upped the stakes and doubled it. In the end, we didn’t just double it, we quadrupled it. A bald head for more than £2,000 for charity? Worth it!
“I’d like to thank all the sponsors and believe housing for their support. It made me really proud to know the money is going to such a great cause.”
Some of the players recently visited Andy’s Man Club to present the funds to the charity and meet volunteers and people who benefit from its support.
Property Coordinator Tony Breen said: “We’re delighted to have raised £2,390 for such an important cause and appreciate every donation.
“Taking part in the tournament was a brilliant team effort, and reaching the All Britain Final made it even more memorable.
“Visiting Andy’s Man Club and hearing first-hand about the difference the charity makes showed just how valuable this fundraising will be.
“At believe housing, we’re encouraged to make a positive difference in the communities we serve, and supporting causes like Andy’s Man Club is a way to give something back to an important cause in our community and help people facing challenges.”
Tony thanked everyone who sponsored the team, as well as managers and team leaders who supported colleagues’ participation and said they are looking forward to taking part again soon in aid of the same charity.
For more information about Andy’s Man Club visit the website www.andysmanclub.co.uk
Fundraising boost: Planner Ross Roberts and Bricklayer Benjamin Wilson took part in a sponsored head shave to boost believe housing’s fundraising for Andy’s Man Club.
