This week, we're joined by Rotherham United midfielder Matt Crooks for what is a rather special episode both for me personally and for the stories and emotions you'll hear.
When I began this podcast, I had a small list of people I wanted to speak to who were beyond those I was already connected to. Not necessarily big names, not necessarily those who had spoken about mental health problems before, but those who I either knew would have complex minds to unpick or they had had a significant impact on me and my life. Matt Crooks was on the top of that list.
In addition to struggling with mental health problems throughout most of my life, I also suffer from epilepsy. I’ve looked for sources of support throughout those times where I’ve suffered the very worst of epilepsy’s effects. People who have achieved in their life despite living with it. I’ve looked to footballers, as someone whose life is dominate by the game naturally would. I found Matt Crooks. His successes in his career were also mine. Not because I’ve wanted to be a footballer, just that here’s someone making a success of themselves. Why can’t I be a success?
To speak to Matt, to thank him for that, was wonderful enough. To speak in greater detail about epilepsy was a wonderful pleasure.
We also speak about the terrible passing of his best friend, Jordan Sinnott, last year, but the incredible reaction he has helped to oversee following it. The Shirts for Sinnott campaign is something you can’t have missed if you spend any time on social media, and a foundation trust has been set up in his name since.
Finally, there’s also time to talk about football and mental health more directly. The focus on mental health at his current club, Rotherham United, is much greater than many others.
If you’re new here, follow the podcast on Twitter and Instagram @WellBallingPod. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @K_AndrewsPhotos, and most importantly of all, keep well, keep safe, and keep talking about mental health.
