Luke Ambler from the UK is a former professional Rugby league player who has embraced life as an amateur endurance athlete in recent years, all whilst building a movement to challenge and change the conversation around men’s mental health.
Following the tragic loss of his brother-in-law nine years ago, Luke co-founded the charity Andy’s Man Club, a peer-to-peer support movement giving men a safe space to meet and talk. What began in Halifax has since grown into a nationwide network of over 300 clubs across the UK, saving lives and breaking down stigma.
This year Luke set out to complete “Mission Possible” which includes completing all five IRONMAN races in the UK alongside additional running and cycling events to support and raise awareness of Andy’s Man Club.
Having already completed three of the five events; IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton, IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea and IRONMAN Leeds, Luke was invited to race at the Men’s IRONMAN World Championship in Nice next month as an athlete ambassador and will swap out IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth to race in Nice before heading back to the UK to tackle IRONMAN Wales one week later. Unphased by the challenges that lie ahead, mission possible has already made a significant impact within and beyond his immediate circle and community.
Throughout this insightful conversation, Luke reflects on the strong parallels between sport, mental health and resilience, the support of family and community and the power of open conversations. His athletic achievements and success to date with Mission Possible are certainly inspiring, but it’s his commitment to creating lasting change through Andy’s Man Club and beyond that truly sets him apart. From building communities to conquering IRONMAN races, Luke’s journey shows that with purpose, resilience, self-belief and passion, anything is possible.
