Andy's Man Club co-founder recognised with award

Luke Ambler has received an outstanding contribution award from the University of Bradford

A former professional rugby league player who co-founded a male suicide prevention charity has been recognised for his work supporting mental health.

Luke Ambler received an outstanding contribution award from the University of Bradford on Tuesday.

Mr Ambler, from Halifax, set up Andy's Man Club after his brother-in-law Andy Roberts took his own life in 2016, aged 23.

The University of Bradford said the award recognised his "dedication to raising awareness and support for men’s mental health" and the impact it was making across the UK.

Andy's Man Club, which Mr Ambler set up with Andy's mother Elaine, now sees more than 4,500 men meet weekly at over 190 support groups across the country.

“It’s amazing to look back on how far it has come," said Mr Ambler, 34, who played for Leeds Rhinos, York City Knights and Halifax, as well as the Ireland national team.

"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."

The father-of-three revealed he had faced his own personal battles in life.

He was bullied at school and later found himself in trouble with the law after an altercation while out drinking following his release by the Rhinos.

Now a motivational speaker, he has established an online community along with promoting tools and techniques to support mental health.

Mr Ambler said receiving the award had been "lovely".

"I always like to think that it’s about the team - I have been fortunate to build a really good team at Andy’s Man Club," he said.

“That comes from having a captain like Kevin Sinfield when I played at Leeds, who said it’s not about one person, it’s about the team."

Mr Ambler added: "Don’t let success go to your head and don’t let failure go to your heart.”

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