Rugby League Cares is delighted with the response it has had from Rugby League fans to the Man Van, the interactive travelling men’s health roadshow that has been at major games and events in recent weeks.
Over 5,000 people have already visited the Man Van, which is operated by RL Cares in association with the Movember Foundation, since it was launched at Super League’s Magic Weekend at St James’s Park in Newcastle.
Man Van at Cas
The Man Van was also present at the Championship Summer Bash in Blackpool and last weekend visited Salford, Hull FC and Castleford as part of the RL Cares-funded State of Mind round.
“The Man Van has been a brilliant success and we’re really pleased with the reception it has been given everywhere it’s been,” said Emma Goldsmith, the Health Projects Manager for RL Cares.
“It was wonderful to see so many fans and players engaging with the Man Van during the three State of Mind fixtures: we’re adding to the matchday experience at all the games we attend and are delivering important health and lifestyle messages at the same time.
“We would especially like to thank all the current and former players who have visited the Man Van and joined in the fun by getting a free haircut and trying their hand at the games we have.
“One of the keys to the success of the Man Van has been the involvement of our amazing volunteers, many of whom are squad members on the Offload programme we run at Salford, Warrington and Widnes.
“Rugby League leads the way in many areas and we’re proud to be putting men’s health matters ‘in the van’ literally and metaphorically!”
One of the Man Van volunteers, Mark, said after a recent game: “It was an absolutely fabulous day on the Man Van today: one man told me that we’d possibly saved his life.
“What can you say to that? I feel proud and privileged to be a part of it.”
Anne-Cecile Berthier, Movember Foundation Country Director UK and Europe, said: “Our mission is to Stop Men Dying Too Young. This means funding research into prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
“It also means equipping men with the facts and information so that they can take action on their health. We are thrilled that so many people are visiting the Man Van and we want to thank all of the volunteers for helping to spread the word.”
The Man Van’s next appearance will be at Emerald Headingley Stadium for the Leeds Rhinos vs Widnes Vikings fixture on Friday July 20. It will then be at Macron Stadium, Bolton, for the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-finals double-header on Sunday August 5.