Family and friends of a Co Down rugby player have teamed up to raise much needed awareness of mental health in the local community.
Almost a year ago on December 2, 2021, Ryan Mills from Newtownards took his own life at the age of 30.
This not only shocked his close group of friends but the wider community too and more importantly his family who mourned the loss of a beloved son, brother and uncle.
Read more: Family and friends of Ards RFC player team up to keep his memory alive
Ryan was an advocate for mental health himself, helping to raise money and awareness for several different charities, work that is now being carried on in his name by both his loved ones and his teammates at Ards Rugby Football Club.
The Hamilton Park club was rocked by the death of the popular player and club member late last year. Just prior to his death Ryan was among 20 people, including Ards' players, members and supporters, who helped raise cash in aid of Movember, a charity which focuses on raising awareness for men's health issues, both mental and physical.
The aim is for fundraisers to grow a moustache over the 30 days of November to start conversations on the issues affecting men. Together, the team topped the charts of teams raising money in Northern Ireland, coming in 17th overall in the UK with £4,600.
However, as the club celebrated news of their fundraising success, they became aware that Ryan had taken his own life. The Movember Charity provided a certificate as a thank you to Ryan, and Ards RFC, for their fundraising efforts, which was later presented to Ryan’s family.
A memorial rugby match in memory of Ryan also took place back in May to honour the young man who enjoyed nothing more than playing a game of rugby on a cold and wet day with his team mates.
The Ryan Mills memorial rugby match saw £16,176 raised for two local charities doing invaluable work to raise mental health awareness including Codo Drops and SPORTS (Suicide Prevention Offering Recovery Through Sport).
The club is now honouring Ryan by taking part in 'Millsy's Movember', this time aiming to be the largest fundraisers in not only Northern Ireland, but the UK and Ireland, too.
This year a group of 53 players, ex-players, coaches and managers are taking part in the Movember fundraising campaign, growing funny Mo’s to support awareness for mental health.
One of those taking part is Ryan's former teammate Gareth Wilson, who told Belfast Live: "Tragically, we lost Ryan at the end of the Movember campaign to suicide and this year we are taking part in this campaign in Millsy’s memory - Millsy’s Movember.
"As a rugby club we have put structures and support in place to help young men voice their concerns and as a group, we are raising that awareness every day in conjunction with Ryan's family."
He added: "Last year the club raised £4,600 - the top fundraising team in Northern Ireland and Ryan was a member of our Movember Team. This year’s target was for the team to reach the number one spot in the UK and Ireland in memory of Millsy’s.
"There has already been such a great outpouring of support and an amazing total raised to date. In just 14 days we have passed the £11,000 mark and we're currently sitting in third place on the UK and Ireland leaderboard so we want to keep that momentum going.
"Two of the team - Chris Allen and David Thompson - are currently involved in a donate and nominate online battle. It’s certainly funny viewing and also putting them individually in the top 50 fundraisers this year."
You can keep up to date on the team's progress on the Ards Rugby Club Facebook page and donate here.
Anyone who needs to talk to someone about mental health issues can call the Samaritans on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.
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