Another football season kicks off for Chris!
For the last couple of years, APP volunteer Chris has made it his mission to raise awareness of postpartum psychosis.
Not only is he doing talks, appearing in magazines and academic journals, he's also taken on a personal challenge to try and watch a match at the nearest football ground to every Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) in the country, wearing his special APP footie top, and getting a mention in as many matchday programmes as he can, as well as visiting the local MBU where possible. Read about all his adventures so far here.
But the standout moment was definitely being featured on the big screen in my MBU/APP football shirt, with the stadium announcer giving me a shout-out and sharing my challenge with everyone in attendance—both before the match and during halftime!
'Myself and two good friends went to see the world's oldest professional football club - Notts County - draw 1-1 with Harrogate at Meadow Lane.
There is no doubt about it now...I am officially a home team curse! But regardless of the result, it was a great weekend with great company!
I’ve been so lucky with the support from clubs so far on this challenge, and Notts County FC once again helped me spread the word by giving me a shout out before kick off and at half time and sharing a few words about postpartum psychosis and the MBUs on the scoreboards!
Meadow Lane stadium is less than 5 miles from the Margaret Oates MBU. And I actually got to visit them on this trip! It was so lovely to meet the Deputy Ward Manager Pip and Nursery Nurse Sam, and to talk about their incredible work in helping new mums with their mental health. Margaret Oates is such a lovely MBU! The whole place is filled with uplifting, positive affirmations, and I was particularly impressed with their post-discharge debrief meetings and the support they provide for partners.
This match marked the official halfway point of my challenge — I’ve now been to 12 football matches at 11 of the 22 Mother and Baby Units across the UK! It’s been an intense but incredible two weeks of raising awareness, and I’m so grateful for all the support so far.
If you need support, or want to talk about postpartum psychosis, please reach out to APP - they offer incredible support for the whole family. Please remember that you’re not alone 💜'
Chris's tour continued with a trip to Halesowen Town in early April. His 13th match to date!
Chris sent us an update from this match:
'My curse continued...they lost! But Halesowen were amazing in their support. They put an entry in their matchday programme...but the absolute highlight was that I was interviewed on Radio Halesowen Town at the match! I did a 4 minute interview about my tour, PP, APP and the MBUs. What an incredible new experience that was!
Nat and I also got to visit the Birmingham MBU whilst we were there which was lovely.'
You can listen to Chris's radio interview here:
And for his final match of this season, Chris had a very special, meaningful experience at Brentford FC:It was solely thanks to Brentford that we were able to attend this match. When they heard about my awareness journey and challenge, they very kindly helped source tickets for us. It’s gestures like that which go far beyond football — and I’m incredibly grateful that they made the moment possible for us.
I grew up going to Brentford with my Grandad, and those are moments I will always carry with me. So to be back watching Brentford — tipping my cap to him, and sharing this awareness matchday with my mum — meant more than I can really put into words.