"Brave and open" - Tom Youngs brilliant interview on BBC breakfast is so inspirational
Rugby NewsTuesday, 14 March 2023 at 20:45
Leicester Tigers fitness coach Will Findlay is to run 250 kilometres in 50 hours to raise funds and awareness of Blood Cancer after the death of the wife of ex England rugby player Tom Youngs.
The challenge will take place between 17th and 19th March around a route that will start and finish outside Mattoli Woods Welford Road stadium.
Speaking about the challenge Findlay said: “My friend, the ex-England and Leicester Tigers player Tom Youngs, sadly lost his wife, Tiff, to blood cancer last year.
"I challenged myself to support Tiff while she was battling and provide immediate hope and support for the family, but this year, I want to do something even bigger to continue Tiff’s legacy.
“I’m going to be running 1m for each of people living with blood cancer un the UK, that’s 250km and I will attempt to do it across 50 hours, in continuous intervals. That’s the same as 5km, every hour, for 50 hours.
"This will be a real challenge as I’ve not done anything on this scale before, but I hope we can create something special, and others feel they can get behind the challenge and support Tiffs legacy giving hope to those living with blood cancer.”
To support Will Findlay visit his JustGiving page on – https://www.justgiving.com/page/will-findlay-250in50
BBC INTERVIEW:
Youngs, aged 36, declared his retirement in April of 2022, not long before Tiffany, aged 35, passed away due to cancer.
"I've had days where I've thought how am I going to get through the day and I did," he told BBC Breakfast.
"Never lose hope, the days get easier, life moves forward and you can enjoy life."
He added: "I think the loneliness really hits you. But I have learned, I have gone through that and I am better for that experience because my reflection on life is better.
"I'm very lucky to have the farm. I want to work, I want to do that. Going through something that I have gone through, if you sit around and think too much, you drive yourself crazy."
Reacting to the interview, former teammate Ellis Genge wrote: "One of the strongest men I’ve met, the way he carried himself day to day dealing with everything that was thrown at him inspired me and many others. Please help raise awareness if you can."
5 rugby legends who made shock career changes, including Nigel Owens
#1. Phil Vickery - Fashion designer/Chef
Following his retirement in 2010 due to injury, Vickery established his own fashion line named after his moniker. Featuring rugby-inspired tops and T-shirts, shirts, footwear and knitwear, the Raging Bull brand is stocked in 30 House of Fraser stores and 90 independent retailers in the UK.
Vickery, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2011, has launched his new enterprise No.3 as a collection service after plans to open a restaurant were delayed.
2. Martin Bayfield – Actor
Unexpectedly, Bayfield appeared in all of the Harry Potter films playing the half-giant Hagrid, as Robbie Coltrane’s body and stunt double. He also appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, as a young Rubeus Hagrid. Continuing the acting theme, he also played a cyclops in Jonathan Liebesman’s Wrath of the Titans, the sequel to 2010 movie Clash of the Titans.
3. Richie McCaw – Commercial helicopter pilot
The legendary All Blacks No 7 has revealed his plans for life after rugby having announced his retirement from the sport. When asked how he would fill his days now without the sport, he said: “I am heavily involved in the Christchurch Helicopters company, they are great people and I’m excited about the opportunities there. Aviation is something I’m passionate about, I’m going to carry on flying and work towards getting my commercial pilot licence.”
#4. Nick Macleod - baker
When former Sale and Cardiff star Nick Macleod damaged his big toe during a match a few years ago he never thought it would mean the end of his professional sporting career. What came as an even biggest surprise, however, was the fact he'd then go on to become one of Cardiff's most popular bakers.
5. Nigel Owens - Farmer
The popular Welshman had an interest in farming since he was a young kid and it has always played a huge part in his life away from the rugby field. As he begins to wind down his refereeing career, Owens has bought his own farm with his partner Barrie and so far they’ve built up 26 pedigree Hereford cattle.
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