Charity football match will take place in Penryn to increase awareness of mental health
By Joseph Macey
20th Jun 2022 | Local Sport
By Tom Howe/Cornwall Sports Media.
The Cornwall Mental Health Cup is to return this summer with an exhibition football match, family fun day and evening of live music planned in support of two local charities.
On the back of a successful inaugural event in 2021, organiser Jack Underwood is building for an even bigger day this time around, with a goal to increase awareness of the growing fight against mental health and to raise vital funds for both Georgia's Voice and Man Down.
The main event is a Football Association sanctioned match between a Cornish XI and a Creators XI which will uniquely mix some of the county's finest athletic talent with its most talented social media stars and influencers on the pitch at Penryn Athletic Football Club come Saturday, July 30.
Underwood, who has battled with his own mental health over the years, harnessed the power of social media giant TikTok to help people struggling during the lockdown periods and has been 'overwhelmed' with over 140 applicants who want to represent Cornwall on the day.
"I have been raising money for mental health charities for years," explained Underwood in discussion with Cornwall Sports Media. "I lost friends from a very young age due to mental health and lost my dad when I was six. It has always been a part of my life. After the lockdown, I said that I wanted to do something to raise money for smaller charities that don't get a lot of funding.
"Georgia's Voice and Man Down are localised and we can actually see boots on the grounds, meet and greets, coffee meets, counselling etc. I wanted to raise money for charities in Cornwall where you can actually see these people, these volunteers and these members of the community.
"A lot of hard work has gone into it and a lot of kind sponsorship. I have done all of this with zero budget, managing to bring in generous sponsors as well as putting in some of my own money as well. My aim is to raise double what we raised last year, which was £800, so we want to raise over £1,600 this time. So far, through our JustGiving page and ticket sales, we are around the £600 mark.
"It's £5 to get in but every single penny that is raised on the day, as well as percentages from the stalls and entertainers, will then be split between Georgia's Voice and Man Down. Cornwall has got a massive crisis concerning mental health. Every day there is somebody going missing or taking their life. I want to help charities like these have a bigger reach and raise awareness and know that the money is helping the local community, my family, my friends and people that I meet on the street."
The day will begin at 12 noon, with opportunities to interact with the creators and influencers on-site as well as to enjoy the family entertainment on show.
This is ahead of the football match, which is due to kick-off at 3pm, as well as live performances from musicians including Toby Webb and Tom Rogan, who will be venturing down in preparation for a headline gig at Liverpool's O2 Academy by both playing in the game and performing on stage.
An auction will also be held, featuring a signed Plymouth Argyle shirt and signed memorabilia from the creators, as well as 20 tickets to a private event in the evening featuring all the stars of the day.
Astrid, Lana Wolf, Simple Simon, Jess Watkins and Roadmanralph are just a selection of the creators who will be in attendance on the day, with plenty more to be announced in the coming weeks.
For further information, including how you can get involved, buy tickets or support the day, click HERE or email Jack via [email protected]
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