The men who take part in our Men’s Day Out are something special. They join together with a sense of camaraderie and passion to make a real difference to the lives of local families while highlighting the importance of men’s mental health.
Our very own poster boy, Philip Clench is no stranger to our annual charity walk. Phil has taken part in the walk nearly every year since it started over a decade ago. You may have even spotted him on our posters last year dressed up as a scarecrow.
Plymouth born and bred, Phil has worked at the dockyard for the majority of his career and witnessed the compassionate care St Luke’s provides when we cared for his sister 15 years ago.
He said: “The care my sister received there was above and beyond and the staff that looked after her were angels. She received respect, care and compassion during her stay. The ‘job’ they do, I couldn’t and so I am very grateful they do it.”
Phil knew he wanted to play his part in helping to fundraise for other families going through something similar.
“I had helped out with door-to-door tin shaking to raise funds and also one time on NYE with a number of mates around the pubs in Plymouth, so the opportunity to raise some money at Men’s Day Out seemed like a great idea.
“I have undertaken the walk for every year since it started bar one. I even did one on my wedding anniversary! The one I missed was the next year when my wife booked a holiday to make sure I would share our wedding anniversary together!
“I generally walk with some good friends or my sons and son in law. A couple of years ago a good friend of mine brought a mate who had recently been bereaved, losing his wife. Another good friend of mine had lost his wife a few years ago and by the end of it they had spent a lot of time talking and laughing and realised that they had shared a load of experiences – it was then that I realised it wasn’t just about the walk and beer. The fundraising and chatting were as important.”
From Smurfs to scarecrows, Phil has done it all, but fundraising has always been at the forefront of his mind.
“A chap in work sponsored me and said he would double it if I did the walk dressed as a scarecrow. So I asked my wonderful wife if she could knock something up and she created the outfit overnight! He did double his donation to £50!”
When asked if he will be taking part at this year’s event on Saturday 22 March, Phil described how he will be having to sit this one out.
“Once again my wife has booked a holiday for our wedding anniversary – it’s our 30th so I think that’s allowed.” Even though our poster boy won’t be in Plymouth on the day he has already asked if he can take part remotely by doing laps of the cruise ship deck…
If you would like to join one of the many big-hearted men striding through Plymouth on Saturday 22 March then now is the time to sign up. Sponsored by JEM Scaffolding Ltd along with our t-shirt sponsors Sir Fix-a-lock and Ace Double Glazing, it is set to be a day of epic proportions. Registration costs just £35, but that only covers your official Men’s Day Out T-shirt, refreshments, a ticket for the rugby and our event costs. It is the money you raise in sponsorship that really makes the difference to the patients who need our vital service at home and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel, 365 days a year. Learn more about our Men’s Day Out and sign up now.
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