A former professional rugby player and endurance runner will be coming through South East Cornwall today as part of a 500 mile challenge.
Tim Tunnicliff is taking on the Rugger Run to promote rugby, to raise awareness of men’s mental health – and to bring in funds for some of the charities that provide vital support.
Having started out at Land’s End last week with visits to St Just RFC, St Ives RFC and the Cornish Pirates, Tim is making it his mission to stop off at as many rugby clubs as he can along the route.
Today you can look out for him in Liskeard, and then later in Saltash. Saltash RFC chairman Noel Hill said the club was looking forward to hosting Tim for two nights before he heads off for the next stage of the run in Devon on Sunday.
Born and bred in the South West, Tim Tunnicliff grew up in Cheltenham and enjoyed a lengthy playing career including stints with Cheltenhamm, Old Colfeians, Blackheath, Esher and Ealing. After a period of coaching, he then headed off to travel the world.
On his blog, he describes how three players who had a huge influence on his game and in his life are sadly no longer here because of mental health issues.
“The subject of mental health has never been more prominent yet there is still stigma attached to the discussion of it,” he says.
“There are still stories of rugby players taking their own lives. So I took this challenge on in support of rugby-based mental health charities.
“I felt inspired to do something memorable and meaningful and this challenge combines my love of running and travel to give something back to rugby the game that has given so much to me.”To find out more and follow Tim's progress as well as donate - visit https://thegreatruggerrun.org/Or look out for The Great Rugger Run on Facebook