So, this week I wanted to introduce to some of the people that have become familiar and trusted faces in my life on the recovery trail.
There’s the girls I call Charlie’s Angels at the Nuffield, who are my speech therapist, occupational therapist, and physiotherapist who have all been looking after me. I was with my physio this morning and she’ll be delighted to know that I’m still feeling the pain as we speak! I’ve got a frozen shoulder at the moment so am trying to keep that moving and in the best shape I can.
I’ve also been spending time with my life coach Rob Latti, who has been a massive help in helping me put things into perspective in how to look at life and deal with situations that arise. I haven’t been at my best this week, and we talk about to take a positive from a negative and how to get a good feeling back when I’ve not been in a good place.
I’ve had a visit from Big Loz, who is a very old friend and has supported me right through my career, and we’ve also seen Nurse Jules, who has been an absolute lifesaver. She has been fantastic with Jess and has become a big part of our family.
There’s many people who play a big part in our lives and I’ll be introducing you to more of them in the coming weeks.
I’ve also been doing some work this week which has been enjoyable. I’ve started doing a weekly column for the Yorkshire Evening Post, I did the Liverpool v Chelsea game last weekend via Zoom which I enjoyed, and I’ve also got a podcast coming up with Jermaine Beckford and Matthew Lewis so I’m looking forward to having a good chat with them. Being able to do things like this again is so important because it provides a real focus for me, and I love football and I love talking so it combines the two!
Last but by no means least, I want to send our love and heartfelt condolences to the family of young Leeds fan Ellis Pearman. Ellis had been battling a brain tumour for two years and was told there was no further treatment. Sadly we’ve had the tragic news that he passed away at the weekend, and it was absolutely heartbreaking to hear that.