22 January 2024

Chris's awareness raising football tour continues...

Last year, dad and APP volunteer, Chris Wasley decided to take on an epic tour of football grounds around the UK, aiming to raise awareness of postpartum psychosis and APP.

You can read more about his grand plans and the first few stops on his tour here.

The first point of call for Chris in 2024 was Stoke City FC on 20th January.  Here he reports back on his latest match:

'I went to see Stoke City unfortunately lose 2-1 to Birmingham City.  It wasn't the result Stoke's performance deserved, they played some really lovely football but just couldn't score the goals! But the result maintains Birmingham's unbeaten run under their new manager.
This was another significant ground to visit for my challenge. My wife and I actually met whilst studying at Staffordshire University several years ago and have been together ever since!  And my good friend Ed, who I also met at University and is godfather to my son Dean, still lives locally. 

Stoke City FC is only 17 miles from the Stafford MBU. Ed and some of his very welcoming friends and family came with us to the game. Shout out to the Cheeseboarders!

 

I have to say amazing thanks to Stoke City and Head of Supporter Experience, Anthony.

 

Anthony was really interested to hear of our story and experience of postpartum psychosis, and to help me in raising awareness, arranged for us to have photographs on the pitch which will be used in a subsequent matchday programme! What an experience!

 

Being a weekend I wasn't able to visit the staff at the Staffordshire MBU, but I did have a lovely phone call with them to thank them for all the wonderful work they do.

 

Up next is Newcastle United in March... I really hope I am not a curse for the home teams on this challenge!'

Photo of the match day programme article about Chris's tour

Here's the fantastic piece featuring Chris in Stoke City's matchday programme.
We can't wait to hear about your next match!
If you're a dad or co-parent that would like to meet and talk with others whose partners have experienced PP, join our virtual Dads and Co-parents peer support social / cafe group - 8-9pm, every 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Zoom joining link: bit.ly/PARTNERMEET. Or, email Simon: simon@app-network.org