From Mumtaz, Leeds to Jinnah Bradford for The James Burke Foundation

I'm walking from Mumtaz, Leeds to Jinnah in Bradford to raise funds and awareness for The James Burke Foundation.

In 2017, James Burke took his own life after suffering from anxiety and nightmares bought on by the side effects of an asthma drug. His mum, Sharon has since set up The James Burke Foundation to raise mental health awareness, promote a joint approach to mental health education and suicide prevention.

I think it will be fair to point out, apart from some honourable mentions, The James Burke Foundation has mostly been overlooked and hasn't had the same opportunities in Rugby League as other charities from our community and I want to address this injustice head on.

James was an international rugby league player, Sharon should be watching him play today but he's gone and she's been overlooked in our rugby league community in so many micro-ways that something needs to be done. Money helps, but it's the lack of opportunity that has frustrated me the most and it's doubtful Sharon has even been thought about when it comes to actioning Rugby League's Action Plan on Inclusion and Diversity (2020 - 2025) so let's hope this changes.

This isn't me hitting out at other charities because it's a crowded field, especially in the world of rugby league where quite a number of mental health charities and initiatives have thrived. We all need to step up like Kevin Sinfield in so many ways for our own causes to fight for what's right.

I'll be walking from Mumtaz, Leeds to Jinnah in Bradford, via many of my favourite places to eat on the way.