Harrison and I started this just over three weeks ago to show support for this great cause to raise a bit of money and awareness after recent events at the club. Personally, I haven’t had facial hair for over 20 years as my wife, Anna, hates it - to the extent that she will say something if I haven’t shaved for a day or two! Neither of us have ever experienced issues with our mental health.

Oh how that changed over the last two weeks. My wife, and Harrison’s mum, Anna, became seriously ill last on 10th November, and was rushed into the RUH and had emergency surgery that night. Since then she has been fighting for her life in the ICU unit. She is currently making daily improvements but the last few weeks have truly been the weeks from hell.

Mental health takes many forms and some of the emotions and feelings I have experienced this week, I either didn’t think existed or that I didn’t know I had.

The staff at the RUH have been quite amazing. We don’t realise until we need these talented, commited, extraordinary people, how lucky we are.

“Movember” for me personally has changed from showing support to something that is a very personal, heartfelt thing.

Harrison so desperately wanted to play at Thornbury on Saturday but in the end we decided collectively that emotionally it wasn’t right. I wish to thank the coaching team in particular for the understanding and compassion that they have shown to Harrison at this time. On Saturday, Anna was in a stable enough position that both myself, Harrison and other family members went to watch the Thornbury game to show support to the boys who have been great and to blow off some steam. The boys were outstanding both on and off the field and I thank them all for the support they showed us. They are quite a remarkable bunch of lads.

The win leaves us 2nd in that table with a massive game next week on “Movember” day. A win would see us to the top of the table.

What the last week or so has really shown me is the value and importance of family and friends. Friends that include those that invite you into their homes to share a meal, company, have a chat, or cook for us to ensure we have a meal for the next couple of days, or just simply being there for us if we need anything. You people know who you are and I will be forever grateful.

So if you read this and think you can help in any way like attending the game to support the boys, or donating a couple of quid on the day or by pledging money to one of the boys, please do so. Let’s make it a day to remember!

We as a family will continue to support our beautiful Anna in any way we can on this long recovery back to health and back to us.

We will still continue this great cause and all being well will be with you on 30th November.

Take it from me, this can effect everyone at anytime it can either creep up on you or like in our case, smack you right in the mouth!

“It could be you”

Thank you and love to everyone,
Mick and Family xxx

“Up the Trow!”