YOUNG rugby players have taken on a challenge to support one of their assistant coaches in a fundraising campaign.

George Elliott is tackling the Ride Across Britain bike event in September on behalf of SANE, the UK mental health charity.

And 15 players from the Malvern under 12s rugby team, with support from the girls’ side, parents, coaches and friends of the Spring Lane club, embarked on a 10-kilometre hills walk to help boost the fundraising.

George’s ride starts in Lands End on September 7 and finishes in John o’Groats nine days later.

By that time he will have ridden more than 986 miles, averaging approximately 110 per day. George has chosen to support SANE as part of his hope to get people talking about their mental health and well-being.

He said: “Having my own battles with mental health meant that fundraising for a charity that is all about raising awareness and providing support for those struggling with mental health was an important decision behind me signing up to the challenge.

“To open up to the boys I help coach about my mental health and to see them learning the importance of talking to a friend or team-mate has been huge and was wonderful to see them supporting each other to get through the toughest moments in the walk.

“I would love to think that this is the first step in spreading that same message to the wider Malvern community.

“The power of team ethic and teamwork goes such a long way as it goes to show here.

“Without the head coach Matt Tedds, who was instrumental in organising this walk, plus supporters, we wouldn’t have been able to make it such a success.

“I may be one person on a bike but there is an army behind me willing me to succeed.

“I would like to think that same idea could be applied to Malvern as a whole and we can be there to talk to each other, whatever the reason.”

The boys have already raised more than £750 of sponsorship money from the walk which started at Black Hill at 8am and ended up at Malvern Rugby Club’s grounds at about 11.30am.

The total currently stands at over £2,500.

Anyone who would like to know more or donate to the cause can go to www.justgiving.com/page/georges-ride-while-you-talk