Ben  Cohen, MBE is an activist and former England rugby union international player. He began his professional career with Northampton Saints in 1996; in 2007 he moved to France to represent Brive before returning to England two years later to join Sale Sharks. In May 2011, Ben Cohen founded The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation which is the world’s first foundation dedicated to raising awareness of the long-term, damaging effects of bullying, and funding those doing real-world work to stop it.

Here’s what he has to say:

“I stand up against bullying. Will you?

I lost my own father to violence when he stood up for an employee who was being attacked. I’ve heard from many fans and friends how bullying has impacted their lives, and I am moved to make a difference for them. 

Parents have written to me, sharing painful stories about how their children, who might be perceived to be different, are ruthlessly attacked and scared of their own schools. It is time we stand up for what is right and support people who are being harmed. Every person on this planet has a right to be true to themselves, to love and be loved, and to be happy.  I encourage others to stand up with me and make a difference. Simply shop or donate, and your efforts will help fund extremely important work”.