Driffield Rugby Union Football Club has demonstrated remarkable community spirit and generosity, already raising an impressive £9,840 for local mental health charity Hull and East Yorkshire Mind. The club and charity have now formed an official partnership and are working together to promote mental health, both on and off the pitch.
The collaboration began in memory of Ollie Robinson-Booth, who sadly took his own life, aged just 21. The club has since committed itself to making a difference, involving players, members, and the wider community in events and initiatives to support mental health services.
Players, members, and supporters came together throughout 2024 to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. One of the standout initiatives was the ‘Movember Challenge,’ where over 30 Club members grew moustaches to raise awareness about men’s mental health. Their combined efforts raised an incredible £3,498.75, including Gift Aid.
Throughout the past year, Hull and East Yorkshire Mind has worked closely with the club, attending events and engaging with players, members, and families to raise awareness and break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
Marie-Louise Robinson, Community Fundraiser at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, said:
“We are deeply moved by the extraordinary support from Driffield RUFC. Their efforts not only raised an incredible amount of money but also sent a powerful message about the importance of mental health and supporting one another. Ollie’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of why this work is so important, and the way the Club and community have rallied together in his memory is truly inspiring.”
Driffield RUFC Chairman, Simon Hornby, said:
“Hull and East Yorkshire Mind is a charity which is very close to our hearts at Driffield Rugby Club. When Ollie passed away in 2023, the club really pulled together to try and make a difference and raise as much money as possible to go towards this fantastic charity. If the money we have raised can help at least one person, we have reached our own goal and are proud of what our members have achieved in the past 12-months, and we look forward to supporting the charity in the future.”
