Today we heard the emotional story told by Premier League footballer Dele Alli, around the trauma he experienced as a young boy and detail around his treatment for drug addiction.
This week also marks the 15th anniversary of the release of Black and Blue: How Racism, Drugs and Cancer Almost Destroyed Me – Paul Canoville’s autobiography co-written with Rick Glanvill – which included Paul’s own battle with the demons of addiction.
“It was very brave of Dele Alli to come out and share this personal detail about what has been happening with him.
“This situation shows that to society, on the outside we often look alright, but on the inside something can be eating us from within.
“It is why such bravery from Dele really helps, as for him to share and talk about it, it lets those who are experiencing the same things know they are not alone.
“That a top star like him bares that kind of pain for all to hear – he is a big man for doing that, definitely”
Paul Canoville
Last month our Foundation delivered a pilot programme alongside our trusted partners, in response to an education policy change around highlighting the perils of addiction to children, before they hit secondary school.
For more detail on our Black & Blue Schools pilot, click here.