We are delighted that David is part of our BRIT Ambassador family and is championing the annual BRIT Challenge to support and improve young adult and student mental health throughout the UK.
David is the most capped goalkeeper in Welsh history. He co-captained Wales for four years and played at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“Having battled with my own mental health, I know first-hand how tough living life with mental health challenges can be. I am delighted to be part of the BRIT Ambassador family to support and improve young adult mental and fitness throughout the UK.
Many young adults and students live with mental health difficulties and the COVID-19 pandemic has further impacted on those young adults with existing mental health conditions; we must do all we can to ensure that every student who needs help has access to it.
I am delighted that the annual BRIT Challenge is inclusive and enables students and staff of all abilities to take part. This feelgood February fundraiser is a great opportunity for every Welsh university, college, specialist college and Students’ Union to enters teams and encourage their students and staff to take part; at home or on campus.
Every team are invited to choose a second charity to raise funds for, alongside BRIT, to support local, regional and national charities. I hope Welsh universities and colleges will consider choosing local Welsh charities to raise funds for and help enable them to carry on their vital work.
Olympians, Paralympians and sports personalities are being invited to join the BRIT Ambassador family to promote the BRIT Challenge, destigmatise mental health and champion equality, diversity and inclusion. I urge Welsh sports personalities to unite and join the BRIT Ambassador family so that every Welsh university and college receives support and encouragement as they take on the BRIT Challenge.
I look forward to supporting students and staff at Birmingham University as they take on their BRIT Challenge and will also do everything I can to encourage Welsh universities and colleges to embrace the BRIT Challenge and unite in support of young adult mental health.”
David Kettle
Former Welsh Hockey Goalkeeper
David represented Wales from the age of 14, playing in all junior sides. He made his Welsh debut in 2009 during the World Cup qualifying tournament in New Zealand.
Over the years, David played club hockey for Cannock, East Grinstead and Surbiton in the Euro Hockey League. He also played professionally in both the Malaysian and Australian Hockey Leagues.
Between 2006 and 2010, David completed his Master’s Degree in International Business at the University of Birmingham.
David co-captained Wales for four years, competed in the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, and was an integral part of Wales’ promotion to the top tier of European hockey in 2017.
In 2018, David announced his retirement from hockey; he is the most capped goalkeeper In Welsh history, amassing 106 outdoor and 19 indoor caps.
In 2018, David bravely spoke to the BBC about battling mental health difficulties; struggles that made him step away from international hockey altogether. David was overwhelmed with the positive response from the public after sharing the challenges of living life with depression; a battle he has thankfully worked through.
To find out more about Welsh hockey, please visit the Hockey Wales website.
Comments