Forget an ice bath, this is going one step further.
Following their 0-0 draw away at Caersws in the JD Cymru North last weekend, the Bangor 1876 team and staff took a cold water dip in the River Severn – not the most conventional of post-match routines.
But there was good reason for it. Organised by Bangor 1876 supporter Mash, the swim aimed to raise awareness for Andy’s Man Club – a men’s suicide prevention charity which offers over 200 free-to-attend support groups across the UK on a weekly basis.
The charity was set up in 2016 after 23-year-old Andy Roberts tragically took his own life. Andy’s brother, Ricky, is a Bangor 1876 fan and took a cold water dip every day in October as part of a fundraising challenge.
“The support shown by the Bangor 1876 players, staff and fans with what Mash arranged was fantastic,” Ricky told The Bangor Aye.
“It’s just as important as what big high-profile clubs have been doing. It’s all about reaching out to the community by the community. A man might have seen the show of support at Caersws and thought that he should seek help. That’s what it’s all about.
“I’d like to thank all at Bangor 1876 from the bottom of my heart on behalf of my family. Grassroots football is a family and community is strength.”
