The West Ham United Foundation proudly teamed up with R;pple Suicide Prevention for an inaugural charity tournament, with awareness and vital funds being raised for the Club's official charity's community programmes and R;pple's life-saving technology.
Partnered with West Ham United since October 2022, when its technology was introduced across the Club, R;pple Suicide Prevention is a charity set up by Hammers fan Alice Hendy MBE, in memory of her brother Josh who took his own life aged just 21.
Discovering that Josh had been researching techniques to take his own life, Alice made it her life’s mission to prevent other families from experiencing the effects of suicide by developing a browser extension designed to intercept internet searches relating to self-harm and suicide.
Complementing R;pple’s mission in promoting positive mental health, the Foundation engages young people in this regard with its diverse team of mentors. Advantage, Primary Care Network and Jigsaw are just some of the community initiatives addressing mental health issues, as well as through its work with the Any Old Irons, bringing West Ham fans together, combatting social isolation and loneliness among the elderly generation.
When the opportunity arose to partner with her and her brother’s childhood Football Club and their official charity to raise money and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, Alice eagerly accepted.
“Events like these are crucial to spread awareness around what we’re doing, to promote positive mental health, exercise, and get people talking,” she said.
“We’re so grateful to the Foundation and the Club to be at this iconic training facility at Chadwell Heath and play a tournament where legends of the game have played. A huge thank you to all the players who came to take part today and it’s what it’s all about.”
Adding to the magic of playing at West Ham United’s iconic training ground, former Hammers Matt Jarvis, Stuart Slater, John Moncur, Rufus Brevett, Geoff Pike, Paul Brush and Brian Dear returned to their old stomping ground to take in the atmosphere and mingle with the players.
For Jarvis, who met Alice at the Smiley Charity Film Awards, where they presented a short film, “Josh’s Story”, and as an ambassador for the WHU Foundation, the event held great significance.
He said: “When I met Alice and first heard about Josh’s story, I was incredibly moved. Being able to tell the story and use her experience to help others is amazing.
“There’s nothing better than being able to help and promote R;pple and the WHU Foundation’s work. I was very engaged back when I played here. We’re very much a community club at West Ham so it’s paramount that the Foundation embodies that, which it does.”
Commenting on the atmosphere of the tournament, Jarvis added: “When you’re a retired player, it’s so nice to be remembered fondly. Chatting to everyone, listening to them talking about memories of West Ham games I played in; it’s just great to be here and be a part of it.”
The event was a sellout, bringing together over 200 players from 21 different teams from across the country, and raising over £23,000 for the charitable causes. Jack Sullivan, who was captaining his own team, opened the day, welcoming the teams and emphasising the importance of bringing the two charities together.
Players from Savoys Properties travelled from as far as Wales for the opportunity to play on the same grass as legends of the game and take part in a great day of fundraising.
“We travelled over three-and-a-half hours this morning to get here,” their captain explained. “The facilities are awesome. We’ve been to a few of these charity tournaments, but we’ve been really impressed by the venue and the organisation. From start to finish it’s been amazing, the refs have been good, getting involved and having a laugh. And it’s all for some great causes!”
Relationship Director at the tournament’s headline sponsor Shawbrook Bank, and devoted West Ham supporter, Mark Hedley was delighted by the chance to bring the organisations together.
He said: “What a day! As a West Ham fan it was an absolute privilege to have taken part in the organisation and have West Ham legends here with us. I know everyone at Shawbrook shares my enthusiasm for helping to raise awareness for mental health, I'm delighted with what we achieved. I hope we did Josh proud.”
R;pple Suicide Prevention and the West Ham United Foundation extend their heartfelt thanks to tournament sponsors Anderson Wilde & Harris, Brickflow, Finwell Foundation, LDS Sales Guarantee, Kuits Law Firm, and Westminster Consultant. Their generous support made this event possible and helped raise significant funds for crucial mental health initiatives. For future fundraising opportunities and to get involved, please contact WHUF Fundraising Manager, Hannah Waldron, at [email protected].
