On Sunday, May 4th, 2025, Merthyr Town Football Club will host a unique charity football match that combines entertainment, humour, and a serious cause, raising awareness for the mental health crisis facing the construction industry.
The event will feature an all-star celebrity team from the worlds of sport, TV, and social media, led by former Swansea City legend and event organizer Lee Trundle. Joining him on the celebrity team will be former Wales international Joe Ledley, who played for top clubs such as Celtic and Cardiff City, the larger-than-life Adebayo Akinfenwa known for his powerful presence on the field and his social media following and Manchester United legend Wes Brown. They will face off against a team of "trade legends" – influential social media personalities who have garnered millions of views for their relatable, humorous takes on life in the trades.
Dan Richards, a scaffolder and one of the key organisers behind this event and known for his relatable construction site humour said: “Humour is my go-to coping mechanism, and I know it helps a lot of people in the industry too, people might not expect me to take a serious stand on mental health, but that’s exactly why we’re doing this, because it’s time to break the stigma and talk about the real issues. We’ll still have a laugh, but we need to show that it's okay to get serious about mental health.”
The event was first planned in response to the alarming statistics that show construction workers are four times more likely to take their own lives than the general population. This tragedy was the driving force behind the creation of the event, aiming to raise awareness and spark a conversation about mental health in the construction industry.
Sadly, just a few days ago, the organisers were hit with the heartbreaking news that Marcus Rees, a fellow scaffolder and friend, tragically took his own life. Marcus worked alongside the organisers, and his loss has only made the cause more urgent.
“Marcus was one of us,” said Dan Richards. “His passing serves as a stark reminder of why this event is so important. We started this initiative to raise awareness, and now, it’s even more personal. This event is for Marcus, and for every construction worker who might be struggling and feels like they have no one to turn to.”
Lee Trundle, a long-time advocate for charity events, shared his thoughts: “I’ve been part of organising numerous fundraising initiatives and charity football matches over the years, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible difference these events make. When Dan approached me about raising awareness for mental health in the construction industry, I didn’t hesitate to get involved. After the loss of Marcus, I’m even more committed to helping make a difference.”
The event will support CTM Mind, a charity that has been providing mental health support in Merthyr, Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT), and Bridgend for 40 years.
Kieran Harris, Chief Executive of Mind Cwm Taf Morgannwg, said: “Statistics show that construction workers are at a significantly higher risk of suicide, with some studies indicating they are up to four times more likely to take their own lives than the general population. This highlights the urgent need for greater conversations and support around mental health within the industry. This charity football match is an incredible opportunity to shine a spotlight on this issue, raise awareness, and break down the stigma that too often surrounds mental health. At Mind Cwm Taf Morgannwg, we are proud to be a part of this event, as it not only provides a platform to raise vital funds for mental health support but also offers a chance to remind every man and woman in the industry that they don’t have to suffer in silence.”
The day will be filled with family-friendly entertainment, including meet-and-greet opportunities with celebrities from the worlds of sport, music, TV, and social media. This is your chance to meet some of your favourite stars while showing your support for an incredibly important cause.
