STUDENTS and staff at the Warrington Campus of the University of Chester will be putting their stamina to the test by taking part in a tough football match to raise money for Chasing the Stigma mental health charity.
Kick-off for the game is at 3pm on Saturday, December 9 with the full-time whistle to be blown at 3pm on Sunday, December 10 in the sports hall on campus.
Chasing the Stigma is a mental health charity founded by Liverpool-based comedian Jake Mills who has become an influential figure in campaigning about mental health issues after speaking publically about his own battle with depression. Jake presented to students at the Campus’s Mental Health Awareness Week earlier this year.
Jake said: “I am absolutely delighted that students and staff at the University of Chester have chosen Chasing the Stigma as the beneficiary of this year’s 24 hour fundraising football game. Obviously this is a great opportunity for Chasing the Stigma, but more importantly this is a fantastic way of getting both staff and students to talk about mental health.
“This is a lot more than a fundraiser, it is showing people that there is help available out there for anyone who might be struggling with their mental health, which we know is a particularly important thing to address within Universities. When I met students earlier this year, it was clear that they were really eager to tackle mental health head on and now they can do it while tackling each other! As founder of Chasing the Stigma, I am really honoured and grateful that we have been chosen as the charity to benefit from such a massive fundraising effort.”
Dean McShane, Mental Health Lecturer at the University, said: “Currently in the UK, mental health problems affect one in four of us and one in 10 younger people. The University has been fully behind the “Hub of Hope” with Jake Mills presenting to our students and staff during Mental Health Awareness Week at the Warrington Campus. We know the benefits physical exercise has on your mental health so what a great way of raising money and enhancing awareness of mental health.”
This is the second consecutive year that the University has held a 24-hour football match. Jake Edwards, Fitness Instructor and Football Coach at the Warrington Campus has been fundamental in organising and creating the event.
Jake said: “I was really proud to see more than 100 staff and student members come together to take part last year. This year we are looking to make the event even better and to raise as much money and awareness as possible for ‘Chasing the Stigma’.”
To make a donation visit – justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jacob-edwards-1
