"A year ago I couldn't even walk to this beach" - former rugby player and coach takes on freezing Six Nations challenge to tackle suicide in athletes
It is not everyday that you see a former professional rugby player taking on a tackle bag in the freezing sea off Eastney beach.
However it will become a common sight over the next 11 weeks as Paul Pook, a former international strength and conditioning coach, begins a gruelling challenge to raise awareness of the rising suicide rates amongst contact sport athletes.
It is a cause close to his heart having struggled with his own mental health in recent years. Having come out the other side he founded Tackle Suicide CIC, a non-profit organistion seeking to save lives.
Soaked through on a cold February morning, Paul spoke to The News shortly after beginning his ‘tackle challenge’ which will last throughout the men’s and woman’s Six Nations. For every point scored in the competition, the former Ireland rugby coach will tackle a tackle bag, and for every try scored that tackle will take place in the sea.
Paul said: “Over the Six Nations there is typically 134 points a week so I am aiming to do 130 tackles a week to represent each one of those points. If there is a try, that tackle will be in the sea. Sadly there is also around 130 suicides a week so it is all about raising awareness and boosting suicide prevention.”
The opening game of this year’s men’s tournament saw 50 points scored as France beat Ireland 36-14 at the Stade de France on Thursday, February 5 with seven tries scored.
Despite the cold temperatures, Paul, who is originally from Wales but now lives in Southsea, set about his task with a smile on his face, relishing the challenge, and buoyed by the support network around him including local group Man Mind.
He said: “It’s been a great start, the sun has come out and I have some great people around me. It’s been the perfect day.”
It is a far cry from where he was a year ago. As well as raising awareness and trying to provide as much support as possible to former athletes struggling with mental health, the challenge is also about demonstrating how “there is always hope”.
Paul said: “A year ago I couldn't even walk to this beach and now I am doing this. People reached in to check on me and that may well have saved my life. We expect people to reach out when they are struggling but reach in and ask them how they are. Don’t be afraid to ask the question ‘are you suicidal?’”
More information on Tackle Suicide CIC and how to support it can be found at https://tacklesuicide.org/.
If you've been affected and bereaved by suicide, Cruse is a dedicated service providing free and confidential support across Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Call 0330 555 0129, or visit supportaftersuicideship.org.uk
If you need urgent help with your mental health, there is free support available 24/7 from:
- Samaritans - call 116 123 or email [email protected]
- Shout - text HANTS to 85258
- NHS - call 111 and select the mental health option, or in an emergency, call 999