The article below appeared in the St Helens Star on Thursday 12 January 2017.
Rugby team’s new shirts support campaign to reduce male suicide in memory of Steve Gartland
A RUGBY team will be helping to raise awareness of male suicide as they wear a special message on their kits this season in memory of a former professional player.
The Blackbrook Royals under 18s will bear the hashtag #SG6 in memory of Steve Gartland, who died last August and was the cousin of team coach Paul.
Steve, who was 45, played for Rochdale Hornets, Oldham Roughyeds and Swinton Lions and had also played and coached at amateurs Rochdale Mayfield. He left behind wife Joanne and sons Bradley and Liam.
The shirt also contains the message #ItsOkaytoTalk, a social media campaign looking to reduce male suicide, believed to be the biggest killer of men under 45.
Since Steve’s death family and friends had shared details of the campaign, which was launched by Halifax rugby league player Luke Ambler with the aim to halve the rate of male suicides nationally over five years.
Blackbrook under 18s coach Paul organised for the hashtags to go on the shirts in honour of Steve and is trying to encourage the lads to talk about mental health issues.
“He was a well thought of lad and is missed,” said Paul.
“We actually played together in the same team at Swinton. There has been funding set up in his name since his death and Oldham, Rochdale and Swinton all had games in memory of him last season.
Link to article in St Helens Star
Bradley Gartland talks about mental health below.
10 ways to look after your state of mind
If you need to talk someone, the organisations below can help.
Andy’s Man Club
Mind
Samaritans – 116123
State of Mind in Sport
