How to Be a Champion - Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock launches well-being programme

Leeds Rhinos great Jamie Peacock is using his experiences in rugby league to promote mental health and well-being - and raise money for charity.

The nine-time Grand Final winner’s ‘Be a Champion’ programme focuses on how simple daily actions can create strong well-being habits.

Peacock, who now works in Rhinos’ commercial department, is also supporting home learning for children during the current lockdown.

He has partnered with the Schools Advisory Service to deliver a monthly virtual well-being presentation to 3,000 students, with each child receiving a copy of his ‘Be a Champion’ book.

Peacock said: “Throughout my entire career I have faced adversity and encountered many challenges which have impacted my confidence and ability to perform at the highest level.

“I have had to constantly bounce back, build myself back up and come back stronger to achieve all the successes I have in my career.

“No matter what I knew I was able to accomplish on the field, it was only ever achievable through working on my overall well-being and looking after myself physically and mentally.

“In these challenging times I want to help everyone to turn their lives around and despite the many struggles we are facing, make small changes to positively impact on your life.”

Be A Champion is described as a ‘first-of-its kind’ interactive programme for all abilities which will help individuals make small daily behavioural changes in their life and create new habits in four key areas: positive mindset, healthy eating, sleeping well and being physically active

The programme costs £24.99 and £2 from every sale will be split between the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and Greenhouse Sports, which promotes sports coaching and mentoring as a way of improving young lives.

Peacock raised more than £50,000 for the MNDA by running the 55km Exmoor Ultra Marathon last October in support of former Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow who was diagnosed with the disease in December, 2019.

More information about the programme is available via www.jamiepeacock.co.uk/30-day-wellbeing-programme/.