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“They were our boys and they always will be. This is their legacy,” said Paula Poole.
Having lost their sons to suicide, Paula and Clare Jackson have come together to help raise thousands for Papyrus, a national suicide prevention charity for young people.
Rhydian Poole of Blackwood RFC and Ieuan Strutt of Penallta RFC were both described as “larger than life characters” by their mums.
Despite that appearance on the outside, Rhydian took his life aged just 18 and Ieuan just 17.
This prompted both Paula and Clare to begin raising money through charity events in honour of their sons.
Speaking about the loss of Rhydian, Paula said: “I was devastated. Everyone has been really supportive of course but it’s a feeling you can’t explain.
“Me and Clare only met each other through our losses and we both agreed that we want to stop any other mother feeling the way we feel everyday.”
Clare went on to say: “It never leaves you. Even after two years it never gets any easier.
“To be able to get together like this is bittersweet, but at least it’s a positive way to remember the boys.”
The event held every summer involves a dozen or so teams from around the borough coming together for a day of touch rugby, with all proceeds going towards Papyrus. It’s one of several charity events Blackwood RFC hold every year.
The pair told Caerphilly Observer how Dai Tomsa, a coach at Blackwood RFC who knew Rhydian from the age of six, made all this possible.
Dai said: “It was brilliant. Around 130 people played across the day, including a team made up of Rhydian’s friends.
“It hit me hard when we lost Rhydian. He was my captain for years and had huge potential. Captain Fantastic I used to call him.
“It’s great to get together, especially with Penallta who lost Ieuan, to raise awareness through events like these. We’ve already held several and have plans for more in the future.”
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Having raised £11,000 last year alone, both Paula and Clare are determined to keep raising awareness.
Paula said: “Rhydian was the joker in every pack. He always had the biggest smile and you wouldn’t have suspected anything.
“In sports especially, men suffer with mental health problems silently and we need to let them know it’s OK not to be OK.”
According to Papyrus, suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the United Kingdom and every year more than 200 schoolchildren are lost to suicide.
Blackwood RFC recently brought in a healthcare chaplain who offers support to anyone struggling, listening to their concerns and providing advice on a range of issues.
Meanwhile, Penallta RFC hosts a ‘Welfare Wednesday’ where players and staff can openly discuss any concerns they have in house.
Looking towards the future, Clare said: “I don’t feel on my own anymore. It’ll always be difficult but we can help prevent it continuing to happen.
“There have been more teams signed up to the event than last year and we hope we’ll continue to see that grow.”
Visit Papyrus’ website for more information or call their hopeline on 0800 068 4141 for support.
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