Rahul Dass – Head for Change Community Hero

When I was asked to be a Community Hero for Head for Change there was no hesitation or doubt in my mind.

Having heard the news about Alix my thoughts went straight back to the first time I met him at secondary school in Bassaleg. I remember training on the rugby pitches at Bassaleg and playing alongside him in the school rugby team. Being in secondary school in Wales, rugby wasn’t optional and it has been a big part of my life. I continued playing through university and also did a couple of seasons with a local team in Bristol as an adult. Having learnt how to play rugby in Wales I have remained a big Welsh rugby supporter. The Six Nations is always an interesting few weeks in our household, with my wife being a staunch England supporter, however we do cheer for the same team when it comes to the Bristol Bears & Lions.

I began cycling in 2022 when I took part in a school fundraising ride that started with a climb up Cheddar Gorge. It was a challenge but also the start of something new for me, inspired in no small part by my father in law, and also demonstrating to my three children the importance of staying active. Since then I’ve taken part in a number of Head for Change challenges including Head for Twickenham, the Tom Morris Ride and the 828 Challenge.

The more I learn about the charity and the work it does, the more determined I am to help increase exposure across rugby, local sports clubs and schools. All three of our children play a variety of sports, and watching our youngest strap his rugby boots on at the weekend makes my passion for supporting the work of Head for Change even more personal.

I love sport and want to continue supporting Alix, Mel and the rest of the Head for Change team in the incredible work they do supporting current and ex players who may have suffered in silence as well as making sport safer for generations to come.

For me it’s all about raising awareness, making the sport safer and being part of the solution.