West Ham United Foundation and R;pple Suicide Prevention Charity are hosting their first-ever five-a-side football tournament, in partnership with Shawbrook Bank.
The tournament, which will bring together 20 teams – 16 men’s and four women’s – will take place on Saturday at the West Ham United Academy at Chadwell Heath, offering teams the opportunity to play on the same grounds as past and future footballing legends.
The event aims to generate essential support for two charities deeply connected to the Club.
R;pple Suicide Prevention, created by lifelong Hammers fan Alice Hendy MBE who tragically lost her brother Josh to suicide, is a free browser extension designed to intercept content relating to self-harm or suicide, providing immediate help and support to those in need.
Witnessing the content her brother had been interacting with prior to taking his own life, Alice made it her life’s mission to protect vulnerable people from dangerous online material. In October 2021, R;pple was implemented across all West Ham United staff platforms.
Having grown up in east London and supported the Hammers, the work of the West Ham Foundation also holds a special place in Alice’s heart.
The Club’s official charity, working in some of the most underserved areas in the UK, reaches over 50,000 people annually, tackling inequalities and providing tailored support for residents of the vibrant communities of Essex and east London. the WHU Foundation. With health and wellbeing established as a key focus, and tools to support positive mental health integrated, the Foundation are helping others to maximise their life opportunities and reach their full potential.
Alice expressed her gratitude saying: “If only Josh could see this, our team, West Ham supporting R;pple and the West Ham United Foundation with a football tournament at the iconic Chadwell Heath training ground.
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who made this happen. Dreams do come true.”
WHUF CEO Joseph Lyons added: “At the West Ham United Foundation, we are committed to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Much of our work focuses on providing tools and interventions that support individuals in our community. By coming together for this charity football tournament, we are not only raising vital funds but also working towards meaningful solutions to improve mental health and offer support where it's needed most."
