THE founder of a crucial male suicide prevention charity has been recognised for his amazing work.

Former Leeds Rhinos player Luke Ambler has been given an outstanding contribution award by the University of Bradford in recognition of to his creation of Andy’s Man Club. 

When Luke’s brother-in-law, Andy Roberts, took his own life aged 23 in 2016, he was determined to raise awareness and support for men’s mental health. 

Andy’s Man Club, with the slogan ‘It’s Okay to Talk’ and co-founded by Andy’s mother Elaine, started with nine men attending its first support group meeting in Halifax in 2016.

It has since become a national men’s mental health movement, with more than 4,500 men meeting at over 190 support groups across the UK every Monday, apart from bank holidays, at 7pm.

Luke founded Andy's Man Club in 2016Luke founded Andy's Man Club in 2016 (Image: KM Images Ltd) Luke, 34, said: “It’s very important for men to accept that they have a problem first.

"It’s OK not to have all the answers right now. There is no shame in needing help.

"Once people can do that; break down barriers, it’s a game-changer.

"We all have a story to tell. People don’t know how important it is. They might be the beacon of light in someone else’s dark times. 

“Life is so short and fragile. We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond to it. We have good, bad and indifferent times – that’s the beauty of life.

"It makes you appreciate the good times when they come.”

Despite acknowledging the success of Andy’s Man Club, Luke is determined to help even more men with their mental health. 

The father-of-three said: “I had experiences around me which taught me how to deal with adversity. 

“When someone dies of suicide it leaves lots of unanswered questions. It leaves people completely devastated because you think you could have helped to prevent it.

“We’ve just got to keep going with Andy’s Man Club. It’s amazing to look back on how far it has come. I don’t want to put a limit on it.

"We really want to help more men and find out why people get into such dark places.

“I feel pretty good, but I’m proud of the fact that I continue to work on myself. I have a really grounded perspective on life. Don’t let success go to your head and don’t let failure go to your heart.”