Latest news with #Menfulness


ITV News
19-07-2025
- ITV News
Riders take part in 'Tour de Aky' in memory of North Yorkshire Police dog handler Mick Atkinson
Nearly 90 riders have taken part in a charity bike ride in memory of a North Yorkshire police dog handler who took his own life. Mick 'Aky' Atkinson took his own life in 2018 and every year since dozens of riders have taken part in the 'Tour de Aky' in his memory. Riders from across the country took part in the seventh annual event - cycling 106.6 miles from Mike's hometown of Woodlesford in Leeds, to Elland Road Stadium, Headingley Stadium, up to Otley and across to York Police Station. The distance travelled recognises Mick's police collar number which was PC1066. This year the group hopes to top £100,000 raised for mental health charities since his death. His sister, Lynsey Atkinson, said: It's lovely that after so many years there are so many friends of Mick, family and people who didn't even know him that come to take part. "It's not only the money, but since we've been doing this we've had so many people reach out to us to say that by us raising awareness of poor mental health and raising money for these charities, we've helped stop them from taking their own life so we can see the direct impact that it's having." The first 'Tour de Aky' set off in 2019, launched by Mick's best friend and fellow police officer Pierre Olesqui. He wanted to get people talking about mental health, while raising money for charity. "Aky was loved by so many people and so far and wide," Pierre, said. "It's a real testament to the kind of person Aky was. I never expected it to get as big as it is so to be stoo d here on the brink of raising £100,000 in total is amazing." All money raised this year will go to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and mental health charities Andy's Man Club and Menfulness.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grand Opera House staff to swap stage for river in dragon boat race
Theatre staff in York are swapping the stage for the river with a charity dragon boat race. Grand Opera House staff will compete in the York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge on the River Ouse on Saturday, July 13. Kat Moir, theatre manager and team captain, said: "He's behind you! "That's what we want to be hearing on Sunday, July 13 when our dragon boat is soaring ahead!" The team will race in support of men's mental health charity Menfulness. Jack Woodhams, CEO of Menfulness, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have our friends and long-standing supporters at the Grand Opera House join us as charity partner for the Dragon Boat Race. "Every penny raised will go directly towards our support activities and free counselling services." The Grand Opera House team's theme for the event will be Cinderella, in a nod to an upcoming production in December, and their team name will be "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boat." Donations can be made at