PLAYERS and friends from Keighley's rugby union club are launching a poignant month-long challenge in support of a mental health charity.

Around a dozen people linked to the Utley club are each running five kilometres a day throughout August.

Money raised through donations will go to Keighley-based It's Worth Talking About.

Club members chose to take on the challenge, which they hope will also raise awareness around mental health issues, after witnessing first-hand the devastating impact problems can have.

Event organiser, Luke Currie, says: "The main reason I chose to start this charity challenge is because I have seen through colleagues and friends the devastating effects of depression.

"At Keighley Rugby Union Football Club we have lost great lads and this hit us all hard.

"I believe there should always be someone to talk to, and It's Worth Talking About is that someone. They rely heavily on donations, so I thought why not get our big bellies out for a run, get fit for the season and raise money and awareness at the same time!"

Also involved in the initiative is Alex Brown, who says: "The club has been sponsored by It's Worth Talking About – kindly gifted by Jimmy Hanson – for the last two seasons and it's been an honour.

"Having seen the impact the charity has in supporting individuals, I wanted to be part of something that would assist the cause.

"As a club we have been rocked in recent times by the impact of mental health issues so I know this challenge the boys are embarking on will be greatly appreciated and most importantly will make a real difference."

An online fundraising page has been set up, at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/krufc5kaday.

It's Worth Talking About was originally set up, in March 2020, as a single men's mental health peer support group in Keighley. But it has since expanded into a multi-group, multi-sex organisation covering the Worth and Aire valleys.

The rugby club has further offered awareness-raising support to the charity by gifting advertising space on the sleeves of the under-18s team shirts.

Also, from next season, It's Worth Talking About will be partnering with Steeton FC under-13s. Mutually-beneficial fundraising initiatives will be held.

It's Worth Talking About co-founder, Ryan Anderton, says: "Partnerships with local sports clubs have emerged as a core way that we engage with our community and spread our message of positive mental health and wellbeing."