Play goes on in memory of coach Paul
A PASSIONATE and hard-working rugby coach who lost his battle with depression is set to be remembered seven years after his death.
Paul Reid was a rugby coach and lecturer at Edge Hill University when he died at just 49, with students past and present making an effort to remember the dedicated lecturer and coach.
Yasmin Henchcliffe, a former student and player under Paul, plays in the annual memorial rugby game that sees former students pitted against current students.
Both men’s and women’s teams get involved, with the students raising money for the mental health charity Mind. Yasmin, 26, now a PE teacher herself, described Paul as “passionate”.
She said: “The fundraiser definitely helps us come together again and have that common interest again celebrating the sport, and our love for it and his love for it. To us, it’s just nice that there are other people out there who didn’t necessarily know him but are still so committed to mental health and Mind the charity.
“When we lost him, the (Mind) teams were really supportive and it just meant it gave us something to strive for and that we then had something that we could share for him.”
This year is seven years on from Paul’s death, with his family being actively involved with the annual fundraiser. Along with the two rugby matches, there are also other fundraising activities such as a raffle taking place on the day.
Paul is also remembered in a more permanent way with his name being engraved on a bench that overlooks the pitch at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk. Millie Hemingway, club secretary of the Badgers at Edge Hill, wrote on the JustGiving page: “Former and current Badgers will meet once again for our annual old girls game in aid of our former coach Paul.
“On Saturday, April 30 old girls will take on current Badgers at Edge Hill University. In the meantime, the badgers shall be out about in Ormskirk selling raffle tickets for a raffle which will be taking place. Head over to our social media to find out more.”
Yasmin also highlighted the importance in raising awareness around mental health. She said: “I think I speak for everyone, we would never want someone to be in that position or have to go through that but it does happen and it’s nice that there are other people to support you and other people are there for you. Charities such as Mind are out there to support people going through these things.
“I think there’s also a big emphasis on the team, and even with the newer girls, from all of this, it just re-highlights the importance to talk and keeping that communication going in general. It can become quite intense because you train together, you play together and you socialise together. Those are the people that you go to.”