SAINTS Community Development Foundation have secured the services of two of the club’s past players - Eddie Cunningham and Tommy Martyn.

Cunningham, who played 144 times for Saints scoring 75 tries, joins the Foundation as its Mental Health ambassador.

A former Lance Todd Trophy winner, Cunningham had a glittering career and won the cup with both Saints and Widnes.

The brother of Saints coach Keiron, Cunningham has been heavily involved with a number of mental health projects, including recently at Widnes.

The Foundation’s Steve Leonard said: “Eddie has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Mental Health. Over the last eight years he has worked as a volunteer at 5 Borough Foundation Trust and is a Psychiatric Unit inspector for the Royal College of Psychiatry.

“He is also a Board member at St Helens LINK, a Director of Age UK Mid Mersey and works with St Helens CCG and Halton CCG as well as being as a carer to his youngest son.

“He has a passion in aiding recovery of people using Mental Health services through exercise. He also looks at ways in integrating people living in isolation by collaborating with providers across the borough.

“By being inclusive, and working with children, adolescents and our older generation, Eddie believes you can reduce the stigma that surrounds mental Health.

“We will be promoting these messages around the area whilst highlighting Equity and Diversity within everything we do.”

Cunningham said: “It’s great to be back part of my home town club. The projects that Steve and I have discussed are really exciting and are geared to heighten awareness surrounding Mental Health and the ways to tackle it. I cannot wait to get started, so watch this space.”

Alongside his other roles at the club, Tommy Martyn has joined the Foundation as a Community Ambassador.

He played 211 times for Saints scoring 127 tries and landing 105 goals and 24 drop goals.

Martyn will be promoting the Foundation and its work around the community by introducing SCDF to a wider audience.

He stated: “The work done by the Saints Foundation most of the time goes under the radar and I am looking forward to raising its profile and the integral part it plays within the community as a whole.”

Steve Leonard said: “It’s great to have Tommy on board. He really does fit the bill with the enthusiasm and drive he shows in everything he does. He can be seen most days around the stadium with a smile on his face, chatting and reminiscing about games gone by to everyone and anyone.

“His passion for this club is infectious and having him involved in the work of the Foundation is what can only be described as a massive boost to everyone.

“I would like to thank both Eddie and Tommy for their belief that our Foundation is here to make a difference and the people within it are the right people to make a difference within our Community.”