One for every life lost: 201 balloons released before Good Friday derby as rivals back White Ribbon campaign

JOINT MESSAGE: Brad Fash, left, of Hull FC, and Mikey Lewis, of Hull KR, proudly wearing the White Ribbon emblem on their shirts

By Simon Bristow

Cross-city rivals Hull FC and Hull KR will come together to support White Ribbon UK on Derby Day tomorrow – the country’s leading charity in engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.

Both club’s support of the campaign began earlier this season by wearing the White Ribbon symbol on their jerseys during matches against Salford and Leigh respectively.

And that support will continue tomorrow at the traditional Good Friday derby clash at the MKM Stadium in front of a capacity crowd of more than 21,000 fans.

A giant White Ribbon will be placed in the centre of the pitch at midday – then, players and staff of both clubs, alongside the High Sheriff of the East Riding, Jacky Bowes, members of Humberside Scouts who have earned the world’s first White Ribbon scouts badge, will release 201 white biodegradable balloons – one for each of the lives of the 201 women who have tragically lost their lives to domestic homicide or suicide in the 12 months to March 2021.

White Ribbon’s aim is to prevent violence against women and girls before it starts by addressing its root causes. They engage with over one per cent of the working population by supporting organisations to bring about positive culture change.

Everyone can make the White Ribbon Promise never to use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women. To find out how and more visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk/

VENUE: The MKM Stadium. Picture by Hull City Council

Jacky, who pledged to campaign on the issue when she was appointed High Sheriff last year, said: “Whilst the two clubs are highly competitive on the pitch, together they are absolutely as one, unified in standing up against Domestic Abuse and Violence against Women and Girls.

“Taking the white of their respective team colours, they are sending such a powerful message to all their supporters, and especially to those who look to them as role models.

“Both clubs’ management teams were immediately receptive to the idea of the campaign and have been incredible in their support of it and I am so grateful to them.”

She added: “We must work together to bring an end to these horrendous behaviours. I am so grateful to Hull FC and Hull KR for their amazing support and to everyone who has supported me throughout my year in office.

“Whilst my year may be coming to an end, I will be continuing to support the amazing work of so many, in the city of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, for many years to come, as we work to ensure that these totally unacceptable behaviours become socially unacceptable.”

Both clubs have worked to understand gender equality while positively addressing harmful gender norms which can negatively impact women and girls. They aim to use sport as a unifier and a place where positive traits, such as allyship, courage, being principled and kind, can be nurtured and celebrated.

Anthea Sully, chief executive of White Ribbon UK, said: “It is so important that these great teams are coming together to amplify how everyone can stop violence against women before it starts.

“It is a wonderful example of how men, especially those in traditionally male-dominated spaces like sport, can be change-makers to their fans and the larger Hull community and beyond. It sends a powerful message that violence will not be tolerated.”

Tracy Harsley, chair of Safer Hull, said: “Tragically between April 2020 and March 2021, 201 victims lost their lives. Violence against women and girls has a devastating impact on victims, their children, their wider family and local community as they all feel the ripple effects of this most horrendous crime.

“We are proud to be a White Ribbon city and the two rugby clubs coming together to support us to raise awareness sends a very strong and clear message that violence against women and girls has no place in our city. We encourage everyone to stand beside us and make the White Ribbon promise: to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence towards women.”