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Ex-Salford rugby player and Andy’s Man Club co-founder receives special honour from University of Bradford

Helping change the stigma around men's mental health one step at a time.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 22nd July 2024

Ex-Salford rugby player, motivational speaker and health coach Luke Ambler has been given a special honour for his work with the men’s mental health organisation, Andy’s Man Club.

The former rugby league athlete and Ireland international – whose career started out at Salford City Reds before moving on to Leeds Rhinos, York, Harlequins and Halifax – set up Andy’s Man Club in 2016 after the loss of his brother to suicide, with the vital support group and charity growing massively since then.

Now hosting more than 4,500 men at over 190 different regional support groups across the country every week, including several here in Greater Manchester – one over at Etihad being the most recent – the non-profit has become a vital resource for men in the UK and only keeps spreading further.

As a result of his incredible dedication towards men’s mental health and suicide prevention, the 34-year-old was presented with a special award from the University of Bradford last week.

As reported by The Hoot, Ambler received an outstanding contribution award from Bradford Uni on Tuesday, 16 July, being presented with the accolade during their ongoing summer graduation.

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In typically humble fashion, he dedicated the honour to everyone but himself: “To all my team; my parents, my kids, my family, friends, staff and volunteers thank you – none of us do it alone.

“Thank you also to all of you who have supported us and continue to do so thank you.”

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Speaking to the BBC, he went on to add: “It’s amazing to look back on how far it has come… I don’t want to put a limit on it – we really want to help more men and find out why people get into such dark places.”

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Male mental health continues to be a hugely overlooked and pressing issue and the impact of organisations like Luke’s cannot be overstated, having not only provided an all-important outlet but also raised huge funds and awareness for the cause.

Meeting every Monday at 7pm, Andy’s Man Club is all about creating a safe space for men to open up about the storms affecting their lives in a safe, judgement-free and non-clinical environment. You can find your nearest location HERE.

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Well done from all of us at The Manc Group, Luke. You can watch the presentation and his acceptance speech in full down below.

#ITSOKAYTOTALK

What a lovely way to honour the Andy’s Man Club co-creator.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Luke Ambler

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Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.

The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.

Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.

But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.

A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace. 

“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. 

“We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”

The club itself added in a statement: “He will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.

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“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”

Featured Image – Manchester United (via X)

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Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Advice issued as 'quademic' of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Brittany Colette

People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.

Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.

The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.

So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.

Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.

The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.

Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.

“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.

“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”

Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”

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Featured image: Unsplash, Brittany Colette

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