In a powerful display of commitment to mental health awareness, Southsea resident Paul Pook—a former professional rugby player and international coach—will plunge into the icy sea today, February 6. This bold act marks the launch of a suicide prevention campaign, strategically timed with the start of the prestigious Six Nations rugby tournament.
A Tackle Challenge with Profound Meaning
Paul, pictured above, will enter the freezing water as part of a highly visible "tackle challenge." This initiative is designed to raise crucial awareness about suicide, mental ill-health, and brain health within rugby—issues that profoundly affect retired athletes and the wider population alike. Tragically, an average of 125 people die by suicide each week in the UK. Coincidentally, this number mirrors the average points scored during a week of Six Nations matches, a statistic that directly inspired the campaign's unique approach.
How the Campaign Works
For every point scored throughout the Six Nations tournament, Paul will tackle a tackle bag. When a try is scored, those tackles will be performed in the ice-cold shallows of the sea. The campaign officially launches this morning, with the first sea tackles reflecting the points from the tournament's opening fixture. This initiative not only raises awareness but also generates vital funding for Tackle Suicide CIC, a non-profit organisation founded by Paul himself.
Rooted in Lived Experience
The organisation is deeply rooted in Paul's own lived experience of mental ill-health following his elite rugby career. It champions a simple, life-saving truth: talking about suicide saves lives. Each tackle symbolises the invisible hits many players face long after the crowd noise fades, including identity loss, mental ill-health, isolation, and the burden of silence.
Support from Rugby Legends
The campaign has garnered significant backing from leading figures in the rugby world. This includes former British and Irish Lions captain Keith Wood and former All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan, a renowned mental health advocate. Sir John serves as Tackle Suicide’s Global Advocacy Ambassador, while Keith acts as Paul’s personal advisor on the initiative. Both are supporting the fundraiser by donating signed jerseys to be awarded to leading donors.
Community and Wider Involvement
Paul will be joined on the beach by local supporters, many of whom have been personally affected by suicide or mental health struggles. As the campaign progresses, he will be accompanied by leading figures from across the rugby world at various locations around the UK, amplifying the message nationwide.
Where the Funds Will Go
Funds raised through this campaign will directly support the work of Tackle Suicide CIC. The money will help accelerate the development of the Tackle360 digital platform, which signposts athletes to trusted, independent support services and provides suicide prevention and wellbeing tools specifically for collision sport athletes. Additionally, funds will ensure immediate access to therapy for players in urgent need and support lived-experience research to shape the future of player welfare in sport.
A Marathon Effort for a Vital Cause
The Six Nations Tackle-a-thon for Suicide Prevention will run concurrently with both the Men’s and Women’s Six Nations tournaments, spanning an impressive 11 weeks. This sustained effort underscores the ongoing commitment to breaking the silence around mental health and suicide in sports and society.
