Terry Butcher: “We had nowhere to turn, books like this can be a lifeline for families living with PTSD”
England football legend Terry Butcher says a new book about veterans’ mental health could help families like his own, who have struggled with PTSD.
England football legend Terry Butcher says a new book about veterans’ mental health could help families like his own, who have struggled with the devastating impact of PTSD.
The former England captain lost his son Christopher, a captain in the Royal Artillery, to suicide eight years ago after he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder linked to his military service.
"I’ve lived through that...We felt we’d let him down"
Speaking ahead of the launch of 'You Are Not Alone' by author Rob Parker, a project supported by veterans’ charity Combat2Coffee, Butcher said the book resonated deeply with him.
“It talks about PTSD and service men and women coming back from overseas, and how it affects the whole family,” he said.
“It’s from the point of view of the children, the wife, and the veteran. For me, that was so powerful because I’ve lived through that. My son passed away, and we had nothing at the time in terms of help or knowing where to go.”
He said the condition had a devastating impact on Christopher and those closest to him.
“My son had good days and bad days,” Terry said. “We didn’t realise what was happening at first, and by the time it surfaced it was very hard to find any help. We felt we’d let him down , but the truth is, there was nowhere to go back then. Now, thankfully, there are more charities and organisations out there for veterans and their families.”
He added that the book could act as a “turning point” for others struggling in silence.
“This book helps people understand what PTSD can do, but also where to find help,” he said. “It’s like a guide to getting through it, step by step, conversation by conversation. That’s what Combat2Coffee is all about: having a brew and talking things through.”
The book, which raises funds for Combat2Coffee and other veterans’ charities, is written to help families recognise the signs of PTSD and find practical ways to seek support.
More to be done
Butcher said awareness has improved since his son’s death, but more must still be done.
“There’s a lot more help now, and that’s brilliant to see,” he said. “But back then there was nowhere to go, no one to talk to.
“This book could be a turning point for a lot of families. It shows you where to get help and how to start those conversations, sometimes that first chat happens over a brew, and that’s what Combat2Coffee is all about.”
He added: “It’s about hope. That’s what we didn’t have. Now there’s hope, and we have to keep shouting about it for those who still need help.”
You Are Not Alone will be launched at Arlingtons in Ipswich on Thursday, November 20, in partnership with Combat2Coffee.