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    Former Arsenal star Lucas Perez ‘struck down by tuberculosis’ just weeks after joining new club

    EX-ARSENAL star Lucas Perez has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis, according to a shocking report.The Spanish striker, who now plays for Dutch side PSV, is set to be sidelined for a long time with the illness.Lucas Perez has been struck down with active tuberculosisCredit: Instagram / psvPerez is an ex-Arsenal starCredit: GettyAccording to De Telegraaf, it is doubtful Perez will play again this season.In a statement on their website, PSV said: “One of the players of PSV 1 has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. The player is doing well under the circumstances. “Although the chance of further infection is small, the situation is being closely monitored according to the standard protocols of the GGD.”The situation was reported to GGD Brabant-Zuidoost. The attending pulmonologist, the PSV medical staff and the GGD Brabant-Zuidoost immediately took all necessary measures. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Among other things, a source and contact investigation was started and those involved were informed. “Together with GGD Brabant-Zuidoost, the standard protocols will continue to be followed and implemented. “For now, there are no indications that people in the vicinity of the infected player have been infected.”As it stands, PSV’s high-profile clash with Ajax is still scheduled to go ahead this weekend, but there is a risk the game could be called off if more cases of TB are found within the PSV squad.Most read in FootballAn active TB infection usually affects the lungs and the person must be isolated for three to four weeks and undergo a course of antibiotics.It has a long period of incubation before symptoms manifest themselves, during which time the patient is also contagious.Lucas Perez signs for ArsenalCommon symptoms typically include a long-lasting cough, feelings of exhaustion, high temperatures, a loss of appetite, weight loss and generally feeling unwell.Perez, 36, joined PSV one month ago after terminating his contract at Deportivo La Coruna in January.He was not able to be registered to face his old club in the Champions League for PSV’s last-16 clash with Arsenal due to the registration window passing before he signed.He has played three times for the Eredivisie since joining.But his estimated five to six week absence means he faces a race against time to play again before the Dutch clubs final game of the season on May 18 when they play Sparta Rotterdam.Perez originally joined Arsenal in 2016 in a £17million transfer from Deportivo.But he never managed to truly settle in North London despite having a solid record when playing, with seven goals and five assists in 21 games in all competitions.Arsenal loaned Perez back to his hometown club, Deportivo in August 2017 before they sold him to West Ham the following summer.He scored six goals in 19 appearances for the Hammers before they sold him a summer later to Spanish side Alaves.Perez then bounced around from Elche to Cadiz and back to Deportivo for the fourth time in his career.After joining PSV, Perez opened up about his difficult upbringing and strained relationship with his parents.He told El Partidazo de Cope how his father had abandoned him as a child, saying: “I was raised by my grandparents, my father’s parents.”When I was two, my parents left me in an orphanage because they couldn’t or didn’t want to take care of me.”This season, I received a complaint from my father demanding that I pay maintenance for the rest of his life.”From then on, I spent several months until I left Deportivo with a lot of stress and a lot of anxiety because I had to relive very difficult moments in my life.Europe rocked by fresh tuberculosis (TB) casesEUROPE has been rocked by fresh tuberculosis (TB) fears after child cases jump by 10 per cent within a year.Global health chiefs warn that TB, dubbed the ‘world’s deadliest infection’, is surging due to treatment failures, calling it a “disturbing wake-up call”.Over 7,500 TB cases were recorded in children under 15 in the WHO European Region in 2023, the latest European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report revealed.This marks an increase of more than 650 cases from the previous year.Kids under five now make up 4.3 per cent of new and relapsed cases, “signifying an increase for the third year in a row,” the health bodies said in a statement.Relapsed TB is when the infection comes back after treatment, usually because the medicine wasn’t finished.TB is a debilitating bacterial infection often linked to the Victorian era, when it was called “consumption” due to the way it seemed to slowly waste away the body.But even today, it persists, killing around 1.25 million people globally each year.Experts are sounding alarms over the rise, fearing that untreated cases could fuel the growth of drug-resistant strains, making the disease harder to combat.In the report, Dr Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Director of the ECDC, said: “The time to act to end TB is now.””When I signed for Arsenal, my mother also sent me a burofax demanding money… but she can’t claim it because she’s not listed in the joint custody.”My grandparents asked for custody and, later, my grandmother allowed my father to take over. I was lucky to have my grandparents, but they couldn’t last as long as they should have.”Discussing his recent exit from Deportivo and move to PSV Eindhoven, he continued: “I’m leaving now because the issue with my father continues. I’ve met him several times this Christmas and it’s not a pleasant experience.”Given that the situation at the club wasn’t right, because I didn’t feel valued or supported, I decided to be honest and tell them that I’m having a hard time stepping aside.”The club and I spoke… There were two games left to reach the 20-year mark with which I was going to renew and I didn’t want to.”Two days later, after saying that we were going to take a break, I received a letter from the club asking me to sign a written commitment with them.”I consider that they don’t know what Deportivo means to me and when there is doubt like that, the best thing to do is to step aside.”Perez also disputed claims that he left Deportivo for financial reasons, insisting he actually stepped away due to his personal situation.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What father doesn’t want to be close to his son? Obviously I want to be close, but if my job doesn’t allow it… I was already far away from him,” he added.”What happened is that they (the media) have echoed a lie and I am partly to blame for having allowed them to buy that lie. The person who released that information did so to hurt me.” More

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    My life has been ruined working for ex-Premier League owner millionaire & legendary horse gambler – he owes me THOUSANDS

    A FORMER employee of millionaire ex-Premier League owner and horse racing kingpin Terry Ramsden says he has ruined her life.Scarlet Hewett, 29, is thousands of pounds in debt after a company fronted by the mulleted entrepreneur failed to pay her for months – and is now at risk of becoming homeless.Scarlet Hewett is owed thousands of pounds by SBS Group LtdCredit: David DysonFormer Premier League investor Terry Ramsden is thought to be in DubaiCredit: YouTube/Star SportsRamsden, pictured in 1986, previously invested in Premier League club Chelsea and owned Walsall FCCredit: AlamyShe worked in admin for SBS Group Ltd, which lists Ramsden, 72, as director on Companies House, for around 12 months before successfully taking the firm to court over unpaid wages.But it has never paid a penny of the £6,500 ordered by a tribunal in June 2023, with Ramsden understood to be now living in Dubai.The businessman – who previously had a 30% stake in Chelsea FC and fully owned Walsall FC – told staff to call him “the extra terrestrial”, according to Scarlet.Meanwhile, she has fallen into rent arrears and has been diagnosed with painful fibromyalgia, which she believes was brought about by the stress of chasing down her money, and is having ongoing therapy for her mental health.“He needs to be brought to justice, it’s just disgusting – he’s ruined my life,” she told The Sun.Scarlet began working for SBS in Liverpool Street, London, in May 2022, mostly to answer the phones.But the chaotic nature of the job – including organising baffling boxfuls of paperwork and online files – “nearly gave me a nervous breakdown”, she said.Scarlet added: “I was hired to answer the phones, initially, but the phones would never ring.”Most read in FootballThe salary was £28,000 but after around eight months, she says the company suddenly stopped paying her at all – and she only continued working there in the hope of getting the money owed to her.Scarlet said by the end, she had refused to do any more filing and often worked from home – though continuously messaged and rang Ramsden asking for her pay.Dark underbelly of UK’s ‘unemployment capital’ as brazen shoplifting gangs stop traffic to flog ‘stolen to order’ goods… while junkies claim they’re ‘too ill to work’“It just didn’t seem like any job I’d ever had,” she explained.“I then felt scared to leave the job, even though I wasn’t getting paid. Eventually I had to put a stop to it and said ‘I’m taking you to court’.”She continued: “I’d sit and tremble and want to cry, and I’d just think ‘this man…but I need my wages and need to pay my rent’.”She said there was only a handful of other staff, with the company initially based at an office above The Ivy restaurant before moving across the street soon after she started.Scarlet said she had no idea who Ramsden was when she went for the interview, describing him as a “bit showy and talking a lot about himself”.“I’ve worked in other corporate places and you do get that sometimes… I thought ‘it’s fine, I need a job and it’s close to where I live.“‘What’s the worst that can happen in a professional setting?’ If only I’d known.”She said Ramsden still had his famous mullet but it looked “dishevelled”.“He used to call himself the extra terrestrial. He’d want to be called that. ‘I’m out of this world, baby, I’m extra terrestrial’.”Scarlet represented herself at the tribunal hearing on June 20 2023, which was held online, and SBS failed to send any representation.In a judgement document seen by The Sun, it is stated Scarlet “suffered unlawful deductions from her wages in the sum of £6,574.99”, and she had not been paid for the months of February through to May 2023.The respondent was subsequently ordered to pay the sum, which took into account tax deductions.It also stated the company “failed to respond” to the “tribunal’s communications or to the claimant”.Who is Terry Ramsden?Terry Ramsden, from Enfield, North London, is an investor and gambler who became a millionaire in the 1980s through horse betting and the Japanese stock market.Born into a working class family and leaving school at 16, he grew his initial fortune with lower stakes betting. He struck big in 1984 when he paid £500,000 for a horse named Katies days before the Irish 1,000 Guineas at Curragh.Despite being at odds of 20 to 1, the horse won and Ramsden pocketed around £2.5million.In the same year he purchased Edinburgh-based firm Glen International and within three years it was making a turnover of £3.5billion.Ramsden, 72, was during this period the UK’s 57th richest man, with an alleged peak net worth of approximately £150million.In the mid to late 80s he used horse racing and the Japanese stock market to grow his wealth substantially.At one point he owned over 100 horses and started a record company called Influx Records.He also had a 30% stake in now-Premier League football club Chelsea and owned Walsall FC.The 1987 stock market crash and Japanese asset price bubble burst coincided with big losses on the racetrack and Ramsden’s fortune was dented to the tune of around £100million.In 1991 he was jailed in LA for six months while awaiting extradition to the UK for fraud, and declared bankruptcy in 1993. The same year he pleaded guilty to recklessly inducing fresh investments into Glen International and was given a two-year suspended sentence.In 1997 Ramsden breached the Insolvency Act after hiding £300,000 worth of assets and served 10 months in prison. After his release he created a equities trading system, which grew to be worth £250million.In 2003 he was cleared by the Jockey Club to own and race horses again and in the same year his horse Jake The Snake won a maiden stakes race at Lingfield.Ramsden has a son named Jake and an ex-wife Lisa.In his heyday, the businessman was the quintessential self-made man of the Thatcherite era.Standing at just 5’4″ tall and with his trademark mullet, he became something of an icon of Britain in the 1980s.He’s quoted as once saying: “I’m a stockbroker from Enfield. I’ve got long hair and I like a bet.”  However, it added that 15 minutes before the start of the hearing, SBS sent an email “saying it would not be attending” and gave the reason “it was only a small company without an HR team”.The document goes on to say, in the same email the company stated it had “repeatedly told” Scarlet and two other named employees “that the only reason they had not been paid was that there was no funds and that as soon as there were funds, expected soon, they would be paid in full up to date”.The judgement goes on to describe how Scarlet had been in “severe financial anxiety since February 2023, in overdraft and at risk of losing her rented accommodation”.It adds: “She has repeatedly tried to contact the Respondent in every way possible but without success.”And: “The Respondent has repeatedly promised payment ‘next week’ but this has never materialised.”The document said the tribunal was “satisfied” with the evidence seen, including the SBS email “which appears to admit liability” over the unpaid wages, adding: “Judgement is given accordingly.”Scarlet has also since had to go to another court hearing in a bid to not be left homeless.“I nearly lost my flat, I had to go to court to save my flat and pay my bills. I’m in so much debt now,” she explained.“What he’s done, if you could see me, I am a shell of the person I was.“Working for him has shaken me, like a domino effect.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe added: “For a young girl, to ruin my life this much, and I’m really struggling to get back on my feet because of the trauma of this man.”The Sun has attempted to contact Ramsden for comment.Scarlet represented herself in courtCredit: David DysonRamsden in his heyday was one of Britain’s richest peopleCredit: Rex More

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    Sporting world pays emotional tribute to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing Colin Hart after his death aged 89

    THE sporting world has paid emotional tributes to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing.Colin Hart, who was a member of this newspaper’s original sports desk when The Sun was launched in 1969, died aged 89 on Saturday.The sporting world has paid emotional tribute to Colin HartCredit: The SunHart with Muhammad Ali Jnr, Michael Watson and John Conteh last yearCredit: RexLennox Lewis being asked questions by Hart in New York in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdRicky “The Hitman” Hatton and heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno led tributes to a “master of his craft”.Ricky Hatton: ‘One of the last great boxing journalists’I am so sad to hear of the passing of Colin Hart.Colin followed my career from the start all the way through to the big fights in Vegas.He would often ring me for a chat and we became genuine mates.Colin was one of the first people to congratulate me when I was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, he had previously been inducted himself, and I know how proud he was of that.We spoke for ages and he told me it was one of the highlights of his career and what to expectAnd, right at the end of the chat, he told me: ‘You’ll love it, Ricky. Just enjoy it like I did’.Colin is one of the last great boxing journalists and he will be sadly missed.RIP old mate.Michael Buffer: ‘Among the best ever’Read more Sports NewsI was honoured to know the legendary Boxing Hall of Fame journalist, Colin Hart, for almost all of my career in the sport.His writings and passion for boxing are universally recognised as among the best ever.He will be forever remembered as a gentleman scribe and, to those of us who knew him by either casual acquaintance or deep personal friendship, he will be missed and never forgotten.Rest in peace, dear friend.Jeff Powell MBE: ‘Wise, wry and fearless’A privilege and a delight to share much of Colin Hart’s journey to legendary status as a sports writer who knew more about boxing than 99 per cent of all those involved in the game. Honest and loyal as an East End day is long. Wise, wry, fearless, generous, a treasure trove of tales to tell. Ultimate professional and much loved companion on our travels. May The Sun never set on his memoryJane Couch: ‘Knew the game inside out’Most read in BoxingMe and Colin go back a long way.Although Col was old fashioned and wasn’t keen on women boxing, he was always OK with me.We got on well.It’s a sad loss to boxing.Colin was one of the old school journalists who knew the game inside out.Boxing legend Colin Hart reveals how Larry Holmes was targeted by ‘rednecks’ in build-up to Gerry Cooney fightJoe Calzaghe: ‘Real giant of boxing writers’Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him.He will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.Michael Watson: ‘I felt like he was in my corner’Colin Hart was a boxing man, through and through.We could tell it was more than a job for him.Colin cared about us fighters and he campaigned for us.I felt like he was in my corner during my boxing career and definitely after it.The world has changed a lot since our glory days and I’m not sure there will ever be another Colin Hart.Lennox Lewis: ‘An icon in British boxing’I was only with Colin at the undisputed heavyweight world title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in May and he looked so fit and strong.We were sat behind Usyk’s wife and when she kept standing up to cheer on her man, Colin was politely telling her to sit down so he could see the action.Even in the VIP seats, Colin was still in ‘journalist mode’ wanting to capture every second and know exactly what had happened.Afterwards, when Usyk had got his hand raised, his wife and Colin had a lovely chat. She apologised and said she couldn’t help supporting the husband she loves so much. And Colin told her that Usyk was a lucky man.Now I realise that was our last time together, it feels like a really nice one.Early on in our careers, things were definitely not as cosy.Because I came over to the UK from Canada, with my Olympic win, Colin didn’t take to me.It seemed like he was a proud Englishman, proud of his country and its fighters, so I felt he picked against me, especially when I boxed a guy he felt was more British than me.I remember he picked Gary Mason and Frank Bruno to beat me, even though all of the other reporters were in my corner.But it ended up being a great inspiration to me, because he was respected, I took his doubts about me and used them as fuel.When I proved him wrong I would look out for him in the front row and press seats and try to catch his eye.I loved proving him wrong and I could see he felt that too.It was a good healthy professional relationship, where he had questions about me and I was eager to answer them.Eventually he did realise that I was the real deal, I answered all of his questions and I cured all of his doubts.He admitted he had got me wrong and I respected that, that’s how things should work between men.It was clear that he was revered among all the other reporters, he was clearly the leader of the boxing press pack.I don’t think anyone else ever started off a press conference or an interview ahead of Colin.The other reporters waited for him to lead and sometimes he would get about 10 questions off before anyone else dared ask some.I even remember a couple of times when he finished his list of questions, closed up his notepad, tucked away his pen and walked off, just when the other writers were getting the chance to start their questions!He was that confident in his research and questions that he didn’t need to hang around and listen to the leftovers, he was off to write his words.I noticed it around my era but it’s even more prevalent recently, some reporters seem afraid to ask the real questions, or push for the truth, because the fighter or promoter or manager might get angry or cancel their accreditation.There doesn’t seem to be the same desire to get to the real truth anymore.Fighters and their achievements are often way overblown or their failings and mistakes are ignored and glossed over.From my years working with Colin, I could never accuse him of that.I think he would like to know that.I knew that he wanted to get to the truth and tell the truth and – if he upset people along the way – so be it.It looks like it’s sometimes hard to have a good name in journalism, to be trusted, but I felt like Colin had that.His longevity made him an icon in British boxing but I think the fact that his name and his word was respected probably meant much to him.Anthony Crolla: ‘One of the most recognisable faces and voices’It’s heartbreaking that Colin has gone, especially so close to a milestone 90th birthday.But I know that his legacy on British boxing – the sport, not just the journalism – will never be surpassed or forgotten.You were one of the most recognisable faces and voices in the sport – more so than some of us fighters even!I’ll always remember we were sat together for the George Groves win over James DeGale and we had a pretty big difference of opinion!But that night, like all the others, it was just lovely to be in your company and listen to your opinions, because you were someone that I respected, massively.Rest in peace, Colin. We’re really going to miss you.Sun boxing writer Hart chats to Lewis in 1995Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdColin covered hundreds of world title fights and is pictured here with Mike TysonCredit: Times Newspapers LtdColin reported on the iconic Rumble in the Jungle… and predicted Muhammad Ali’s win when the rest of Fleet Street tipped George ForemanCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSpencer Oliver: ‘The man you wanted to take notice of you’I’m not exaggerating to say that Colin was THE man you wanted to take notice of you, when you was boxing in my era.When we opened The Sun at the gym, we would rush straight through to his pages and hoped we would get a mention.Colin was always the boxing reporter of that generation that was the most respected in the gyms and at the shows, everyone wanted to get on his radar and get praise in his columns.It’s broken me a little bit, because he covered my entire career and he helped me when I was injured and in hospital and fighting dark times.He was always in my corner, when I felt very alone. And then again when I started working in the media and he helped me with so many TV and radio shows.It’s a real blow, it’s no exaggeration to say British boxing will not be the same again.Looking around a London ring, from Wembley stadium or York Hall, you almost always spot Colin with a paper under his arm.I’m gutted I’m never going to see that again.But I’m so grateful for everything he did for me and I hope I repaid him, somehow.READ MORE SUN STORIESJohnny Nelson: ‘An absolutely proper boxing journalist’When Colin Hart wrote about you in The Sun it was a big deal.I remember it took him ages to write about me, I kept looking for an article an it never came and, when it did, I don’t thing it was even nice about me!But because fighters knew how much Colin had given to the sport, the amateur shows, not just world titles, they respected his opinion.I saw him have loads of arguments with fighters because, when he criticised them, it hurt, because he knew his stuff and it carried weight.And he wasn’t being critical for attention, he was doing his job and he had earned his right to an opinion.These days most boxing coverage is about views and clicks and content, people need to protect their access rather than ask the important questions.Colin was the opposite of that, he was an absolutely proper boxing journalist.I don’t think there will ever be another boxing reporter like Colin Hart, the world and the sport and the industry doesn’t make them like that anymore.Frank Bruno: ‘Undisputed Champion of boxing reporters’Sometimes in life, when your back is against the ropes, and you feel like the whole world is mugging you off, you need people you can reach out to for help who you can trust. Colin Hart was – without a doubt – always one of those people. I was just a teenager, a kid really, when our paths crossed for the first time. I was an upcoming amateur fighter making a name for myself. Colin – or Mr Hart as I called him the first time we met – was a top boxing journalist who had covered boxing’s great and good for decades. So I knew when he kept coming back to watch my fights I must have been doing something right. In the end, he was there at ringside, covering every moment: all the highs and all the lows. Recently, he very kindly picked my fight against Lennox Lewis as one of his top five British bouts of all time. I quite liked the fight as well. Well, apart from the ending if you know what I mean. But it’s the moments outside the ring that I spent with Colin that I’ll remember the most fondly. Boxing now is nothing like it used to be. These days, those press conferences are like mini-fights. The hype, the drama, the aggro – I wouldn’t be surprised if they start putting some of those press conferences on pay-per-view. Back in the 80s and 90s it was totally different. Boxers and newspaper journalists would spend time mixing in and around training camps. There was no social media. No 24 hour sports news. Instead, I’d spend hours talking to Colin and his colleagues. These guys knew everything about boxing and Colin had the biggest brain of all. I used to joke that he was a walking encyclopedia. But I secretly soaked up so much of what he said and the advice he gave me. To me, Colin was a serious hombre. When he had something to say it was worth paying attention. I knew I could trust him too. I’ve not always had a great relationship with the media, especially some of the news-boys over the years. But Colin was as straight as they came – and he quickly became a really firm friend. Maybe that’s why when I hit rock-bottom and started suffering with mental ill health it was Colin I turned to for advice. I remember one phone call, shortly before I was sectioned, where I spoke to Colin on the phone for an hour. Truth be told I was crying out for help and Colin, as ever, advised me the best I could. In the end, like we all have to, I had to find my own way out of my troubles. But Colin was always supporting me, sending me letters and notes. And once I was out of hospital he was one of the first on the phone to wish me well. Since retiring I regularly saw Colin at various boxing events, sportsmans dinners, and charity galas. If I knew he was there I’d always ask to be on his table, and we’d swap stories about the good old days. I last saw Colin in October, at a tribute dinner in London to celebrate my old mate John Conteh, and he was as sharp and as smart as he’d always been. As ever it was a privilege to spend some time with him and to share a laugh and a joke. It’s hard to believe I’ll never see him again. When it comes to the kings of boxing reporters, Colin was the undisputed Champion. No-one else will ever lay a glove on him. RIP, my friend. Frank Bruno More

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    I lost both of my grandfathers to suicide, we must do more to help, says Championship star Will Vaulks

    WILL VAULKS knows all about the devastation that follows suicide.The Oxford United star’s two grandfathers both took their lives within 18 months of each other while he was in his early teens.Will Vaulks says the deaths caused ‘enormous destruction’ in his familyCredit: GettyHywel Edwards took his life just a day after watching Vaulks play footballVaulks described paternal grandfather Tom as wonderful to be withVaulks, 31, was just 13 when he and his family were left heartbroken when paternal grandad Tom died aged 67,  six months after he had initially tried to kill himself.And then the Wales midfielder’s maternal grandfather Hywel took his life aged 78, a day after watching his then 15-year-old grandson playing youth football for Tranmere.Now Vaulks wants to raise awareness for one of the biggest — yet “most forgotten” — killers.The latest 12-month UK Government figures showed 4,377 people died by suicide, that is an average of 12 deaths every day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe U’s ace told SunSport: “Suicide is the biggest killer in men aged under 50 and women under 35.“So the biggest threat to your friend or family member’s life at that age isn’t a heart attack, cancer or a car crash . . . it’s from themselves.“We talk about cancer research and the need to learn CPR — which is important and great — but suicide gets forgotten.“So we must do everything to help get the numbers down.”Most read in FootballYou’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:Both grandfathers were much loved and Tom was a larger-than-life  character who would take his grandson for a spin on the back of his red Kawasaki 500 motorbike.Vaulks recalled: “He used to look after me, my brother and sister when our parents were away.“And he would say, ‘When the cat’s away, the mice play!’“I couldn’t have asked for a better grandparent so you can only  imagine the feelings I had when he chose to take his life. It was so  difficult for my dad and family.”At the time it was not understood why Tom had decided to end his life although with the benefit of hindsight years later the reason is perhaps less mysterious.His grandfather, who was divorced from Vaulks’ nan, was deeply depressed and complained about a stomach pain he could not get diagnosed.It is felt he feared getting old and not being able to continue doing the fun things he enjoyed.Then, in 2008, his other grandfather Hywel left home in circumstances out of character.Vaulks said: “My grandmother Brenda woke up to find he wasn’t in bed and had gone out.“He didn’t take a coat or get properly dressed so hadn’t gone out for a walk.”Police were called and a helicopter and search dogs sent out to comb the area.Loving grand-dad Hywel took his own life aged 78Tom, who died aged 67, is pictured with his son and grandchildrenBut eventually after a few hours it was Vaulk’s mum and Hywel’s daughter Ruth who discovered his body.Only the evening before he had been watching Vaulks playing football but he went home at the full-time whistle rather than stick around, as he normally did.That evening his mum went to check on him and Vaulks explained: “He told her, ‘You do know I love you, don’t you?’“It was a lovely thing to say to his daughter but it has been hard for my mum down the years because she has been left with many unanswered questions like was it a sign and should she have spotted it?“But he had made his decision at that  point and unfortunately we will  never know exactly why.”From experience, no one who is struggling is a burden. People want to help, people love you and you must love yourself too.Will VaulksPeople who take their lives are in the deepest of torment and often feel they are a burden to families and friends but, as Vaulks explains, the decision to die by suicide leaves a trail of devastation that is far worse for those loved ones left behind. He said: “The destruction the two suicides left for my family was enormous.“We had a normal family life which was happy, healthy and great.“The best way to describe it is it’s like a bomb going off within the family unit.“Suicide leaves a complex grieving process that some people do not  manage to get through. As a family, we fortunately did.“But I became a bit numb to normal passings because you feel bitterness in the way you lost your grandparents.“They both thought they were best out of the equation.“I’d say to anyone who is struggling, the burden you leave by taking your own life is 100 fold for those you leave behind.“From experience, no one who is struggling is a burden. People want to help, people love you and you must love yourself too.“I’ve spoken to suicide survivors who look back now and live happy, healthy fulfilled lives.”Championship side Oxford became the first club last month to sign up for a suicide prevention charity’s workplace pledge.United’s new partnership with Baton of Hope will see the U’s deliver in-house, personal  suicide prevention training to all its players and staff.Hywel was great to be around as a kid, saying Will VaulksTom became depressed in later life and worried about a stomach painIt coincided with the third anniversary of Oxford legend Joey Beauchamp taking his own life at the age of 50 after years of mental- health struggles.Vaulks, who also wants the EFL to get on board, says there are stereotypical myths  surrounding suicide.He said: “People always have one answer like he or she was a gambling addict, had an affair, took drugs — all hyper motive things.“Sometimes those issues are relevant but a lot of the time it’s not the case.“People have struggled silently for a long time and not had the help they need. At the moment, in the NHS, mental-health help is not there.“The charity’s founder is Mike McCarthy and his  son Ross was on a waiting list for six months and died two months into it. That sort of time frame for help isn’t acceptable.”Vaulks is sure prevention is better than cure and urges everyone to play an active part.He added: “People don’t wake up one day and decide to take their own life.A friend might be acting erratically, maybe drinking five pints instead of two or vice-versa, or acting quieter or louder. There are times when people are at crisis point and help lines or emergency services need to be called.Will Vaulks“The thing we can all do is to check in  twice. We all know when someone asks, ‘How are you?’ that a person usually replies, ‘Good’.“If you notice a slight change in your friend or people you don’t speak to so often, just  ask again, ‘No, really, how are you — is everything fine?’“We don’t need to have deep conversations but we do need to delve more into how people are feeling.“It’s proven eight to nine minutes of talking can be enough to lift someone’s mood and prevent them spiralling downhill.“A friend might be acting erratically, maybe drinking five pints instead of two or vice-versa, or acting quieter or louder.“There are times when people are at crisis point and help lines or emergency services need to be called.“But we must try to stop these things before they become major issues.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So if you feel happy and fulfilled, pass that on to people, even in the street.“We can live a competitive, fun and aggressive life — but still look out for others.” More

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    How George Foreman went from teen mugger to earning $200m thanks to piledriver punches, wide smile & grilling machine

    IN the boxing ring, George Foreman – who became world heavyweight champ twice, some 20 years apart – was a lean, mean fighting machine.With fists like wrecking balls and a piledriver punch, all bar eight of his 76 wins ended in a knockout.George Foreman posing for The Ring magazine in 1989Credit: GettyThe boxing legend with his loved ones in a picture released by his familyCredit: instagram/biggeorgeforemanGeorge suffers as Muhammad Ali hits back in probably the greatest fight of all timeCredit: AlamyThe heavyweight champ earned an astonishing $200million from his trademark cooking device – an electric barbecue that could be used indoorsCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe fought in probably the most famous boxing bout in history, the 1974 Rumble In The Jungle against Muhammad Ali, who beat him using a strategy he coined “rope-a-dope”.But Big George, who died on Friday aged 76, was no dope.Incredibly, he made far more money outside the ring — selling “a lean, mean grilling machine”. He earned an astonishing $200million from the George Foreman Grill — an electric barbecue that could be used indoors.It massively overshadowed the $5million he won for his part in the Rumble In The Jungle, a 4am fight in sweltering heat beamed by a new-fangled TV satellite from Kinshasa in Zaire, central Africa.READ MORE IN SPORTBut thanks to his ­charismatic fame and famous smile, he went on to earn almost $5million every MONTH selling his grill and other household appliances on telly.Not bad for a teenage mugger brought up in Texas in a family so poor his mother sent her children to school with mayonnaise sandwiches for lunch.One of the top three heavyweights of all time, along with Ali and Joe Frazier, George, who only lost five fights in his career, was married five times.‘A force for good’He fathered ten children — five boys, all called George “so he would not forget their names”, and five girls, including ­Georgetta. George also adopted two more daughters.Most read in BoxingAnnouncing his death on Instagram yesterday, his family said he passed away surrounded by loved ones.Although they did not disclose his cause of death, they paid tribute to “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father and a proud grand and great- grandfather”, who “lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and purpose”.George Foreman claims Bruce Lee could have been world champion boxer as he was so good he left him with ‘chills’George Snr was, they said, “a humanitarian, an Olympian and two-time heavyweight champion of the world”.They went on: “He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name for his family.“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”George Edward Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949. In later life, he discovered his real father was a man called Leroy Moorehead.But he took the name of his stepdad, railway construction worker J B Foreman, who his mother, Nancy, married when George was very young.He grew to become a big, strong teenager, and was often in trouble with the law for street fighting.By the age of 15, he had dropped out of school and became a mugger.George once said: “I’ve always been motivated by food, because I was always hungry. There never was enough food to eat for me, for various reasons.”The following year, George had a change of heart and convinced his mother to sign him up for Jobs Corps, a US government scheme that trained him to be a carpenter and bricklayer. He moved to California and, with the help of a trainer, George, by then 6ft 3in and nearly 18st, took up boxing.By the age of 19, he had won Olympic Gold in Mexico City, knocking out Jonas Cepulis of the Soviet Union, who was ten years older and had already won many of his 200 bouts.If Big George hit you, you stayed hit. It was as simple as thatBBC boxing analyst Steve BunceBBC boxing analyst Steve Bunce said: “If Big George hit you, you stayed hit. It was as simple as that.”Days after African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos did a Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics, George caused controversy among civil rights activists by waving a small US flag in the ring.He said: “I was just glad to be an American. Some people have tried to make something of it, calling me an Uncle Tom (a derogatory term for a black person considered overly submissive to white people), but I’m not. I just believe people should live together in peace.”George preaching in Atlantic City in 1991Credit: AP:Associated PressThe star posing in an African robe before his bout with AliCredit: GettyChamp Joe Frazier is rocked by a Foreman right during the title fight in JamaicaCredit: APThe legend waving the US flag after his heavyweight victory at the Mexico GamesGeorge regains his title, aged 45, in a fight against MoorerCredit: AFPHe later looked back with pride on how he turned his life around to ­triumph at those Games in Mexico City, adding: “Less than two years prior . . . I was under a house, hiding from the police. “I climbed from underneath that house, in mud and slop, and said to myself, ‘I’m going to do something in my life, I’m not a thief’.”Turning professional straight away, George was soon fighting a bout a month. By the time he competed in his first heavyweight title against ­Frazier at the “The Sunshine Showdown” in Kingston, Jamaica, in ­January 1973, he already had 39 wins under his belt — and no defeats. The 3-1 underdog, George knocked world champ Frazier down six times before ref Arthur Mercante stopped the one-sided fight in the second round.After defeating Ken Norton in the Caracas Caper in Venezuela, George’s next fight was the famous Rumble In The Jungle against Ali.The Sun’s legendary boxing correspondent Colin Hart was ringside in Kinshasa — now in the Democratic Republic of Congo — as dawn broke on October 30, 1974.Foreman, at 25, wasn’t the smiling carefree giant who resembled a benign Buddha that we saw in his latter years. He was surly, extremely bad-tempered and far from lovable.The Sun’s legendary boxing correspondent Colin HartHe wrote: “It’s a fair bet if you should mention the Rumble In The Jungle from Angola to Zanzibar, most people will know what you are talking about. “There couldn’t have been a greater contrast between Ali and Foreman — Beauty and the Beast perhaps sums them up best.”Foreman, at 25, wasn’t the smiling carefree giant who resembled a benign Buddha that we saw in his latter years.“He was surly, extremely bad-tempered and far from lovable.“Having won 37 of his 40 fights by knockout . . . menace seemed to ooze from every pore.‘Start at the bottom’“He made Sonny Liston (a ­powerhouse US boxer) look like a soft, cuddly teddy bear.”Backed up on the ropes for round after round, Ali took the sting out of George’s powerful punching with his “rope-a-dope” technique.But suddenly, in round eight, he sprung off the ropes for the first time and rocked his rival with a right hander. And with that, Ali was back in the fight. Almost in slow motion, George collapsed to the canvas and failed to beat the count. After losing the title he took a year off, but by then his first marriage, to Adrienne Calhoun, had ended.Over the years, he tied the knot four more times, finally marrying Mary Joan Martelly in 1985. She was with him until his death.In 2019, he explained that he named all of his sons George Edward Foreman “so they would always have something in common”.His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgottenMike TysonHe added: “I tell people, ‘If you’re going to get hit as many times as I’ve been hit by Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Evander Holyfield, you’re not going to remember many names’.”The boys, however, have nicknames — George III goes by Monk, George IV is Big Wheel, George V is Red and George VI is known as Little Joey.Foreman returned to the ring and had five more victories, including another over old rival Frazier.But after losing to Jimmy Young in Puerto Rico in 1977, he hung up his gloves aged 28, claiming it was because of his religious beliefs and his mother’s wishes.George had become a born-again Christian and was ordained as a minister. For the next ten years, he preached to congregations at a church in Houston, Texas, but money worries later drove him back to the ring.Overweight and out of shape, he said: “I’ve got a three-year plan. I want to start at the bottom. Train harder than any man in the world. Fight once a month.” Foreman fought up to nine times in a year. He cranked out 24 straight wins, although most were against boxers of lesser ability.But in 1994, at the age of 45, he got another title shot in Las Vegas against Michael Moorer, 26, who threw twice as many punches.But in the tenth round, Foreman delivered the knockout blow that made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.George said: “Anything you desire, you can make happen. It’s like the song, ‘When you wish upon a star your dreams come true’. Well, look at me tonight.”Foreman returned to the church and a youth centre he had set up, and was never afraid to cash in on his fame. He was approached to endorse the George Foreman Grill in 1994, with a big smile and cheesy lines including: “It’s a knockout.”George went on to sell more than 100million units and earned a fortune, pocketing 40 per cent of the profits before selling out in 1999 for more than £100million.READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-British cruiserweight champ Tony Bellew said yesterday: “RIP to one of the greatest human beings to ever put on boxing gloves. This man was truly ­amazing!”And in a fitting tribute to the icon, ring king Mike Tyson added: “His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”George with fellow champs Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali in 1989Credit: PAAll all bar eight of the champ’s 76 wins ended in a knockoutCredit: Rex More

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    Stuart Pearce, 62, returns to talkSPORT for first time since health scare for England vs Albania

    STUART PEARCE has welcomed his return to talkSPORT after a health scare – and couldn’t have chosen a bigger game!The ex-England defender, 62, looked delighted to say he was “back on commentary” for the Three Lions’ opening World Cup qualifier against Albania – Thomas Tuchel’s first match in charge.Stuart Pearce looked excited to be at England vs AlbaniaThomas Tuchel arrived to oversee his first England gameCredit: GettyEarlier this month, Pearce had a medical emergency on a flight back from Las Vegas.The pundit described having chest pains, with doctors needing to “stick a tube” down his throat and “reboot” his heart”.TalkSPORT posted a clip of Pearce at Wembley as he explained he was “really looking forward to the game”.The former West Ham star added: “New manager in post, hopefully a high-octane performance by England, a victory to get us off and running in this campaign.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe father of two spent five days in hospital following his health issue on a Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow.After his hospital stay, he told talkSPORT duo Jim White and Simon Jordan that he “felt brilliant in myself”. Pearce was put on a monitor on the transatlantic plane after sweating profusely and suffering acute pain.First aiders treated him as his partner watched on.Most read in FootballPearce went on talkSPORT earlier this month to say he was feeling betterPearce will be giving his verdict on an England team with debutants Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly plus Aston Villa loanee Marcus Rashford starting.Fans of Manchester City and Nottingham Forest had come together with an emotional message of support for their former left-back two weeks ago.They stood for a round of applause in the third minute of their Prem match before displaying a banner.Meanwhile, “Get well soon Stuart” was displayed on the City Ground big screen. More

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    Frank Bruno in mid-air emergency after falling ‘seriously ill’ on flight prompting docs to take drastic action

    BOXING legend Frank Bruno was rushed to hospital after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flight.The former world heavyweight champ was left “in a really bad way” as he headed off on a speaking tour.Frank Bruno smiles for a photo on a plane before falling seriously illCredit: FacebookBoxing legend Frank was feverish and ‘in a really bad way’Credit: Louis WoodBruno retired from boxing after his 1996 defeat to Mike TysonCredit: GettyThe father of four, who was feverish, was treated by airport medics after landing in Doha, Qatar, before he was whisked to a hospital ten miles away for a series of urgent tests.Dad-of-four Frank, 63, had posed for a photo before the mid-air drama this month. Doctors eventually diagnosed him with a viral infection — and kept him in for nearly two weeks, taking his passport so he could not try to leave.Last night his manager said he was recovering and looking to return to work “as soon as possible”. Read more on Frank BrunoBruno had been due to talk at four events in Thailand so took a connecting Qatar Airways flight on March 3 from Heathrow to Doha.He posted a picture of himself in his seat, smiling with sunglasses perched on his head.He wrote: “Morning so the Frank Bruno World tour continues. Up early for a plane, I don’t sleep well on planes but trying to catch up on some zzzzzzzzzzzs.”But Bruno, travelling with his PA Paul Hunter, became ill soon after take-off, with crew alerted to his plight.Most read in BoxingA source said: “Frank was fine when he boarded the plane — but quickly went downhill during the flight. He was in a really bad way and they were unsure what the problem was.“It was extremely worrying as it was mid-flight so he was stuck on the plane.Boxing legend Frank Bruno trades blows with the mental health minister – as she visits him at his charity foundation“Paul and Frank thought it might be food poisoning, but it turned out to be worse than that.“Frank was in a bad way and was sweating profusely and had fever-like symptoms.“Paul was worried but was doing his best to keep him calm. He was treated on the flight to Doha, in the airport and then at the hospital.Frank was fine when he boarded the plane — but quickly went downhill during the flightA source“Doctors were really worried and carried out all sorts of tests, including for meningitis. They then diagnosed him with a viral infection, which at least meant they could start treating him.”Bruno — who recently starred in Amazon Prime documentary Four Kings alongside fellow Brit fighters Lennox Lewis, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank — was due to start his Thailand tour on March 6.But he was forced to cancel as medics kept him at the Al Wakra Hospital until he improved.His PA — UB40’s former tour manager — stayed with him and kept loved ones informed.Boxing champ Frank with wife Laura in 1995, who he split from in 2001Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe boxing great was awarded an MBE for services to the sport in 1990Credit: Getty Images – GettyFrank took a connecting Qatar Airways flight on March 3 from Heathrow to DohaCredit: AlamyFrank — awarded an MBE for services to boxing in 1990 — is now “on the mend” and has returned to Britain. Our source went on: “Frank was severely ill but, thankfully, got good treatment in Doha.”The hospital he was at is very modern and the biggest in Qatar, and he was in good hands. He and Paul were grateful to the medics for the way they looked after him.“They had to monitor him really closely when he first came in, and that’s why they took his passport.“They feared Frank might think he was better before he was and try to discharge himself.“But Frank was too ill to leave anyway, as he battled the infection.“By the end of his time in Qatar, Frank was getting frustrated as he was bored and wanted to leave.“But they did not take any chances and let him leave only when his condition had improved.”Bruno’s Thailand tour was scheduled to kick off in Pattaya, before more dates with fans in Bangkok, Hua Hin and Koh Phangan.Our source said: “In typical Frank fashion, he was more worried about supposedly letting his fans down.By the end of his time in Qatar, Frank was getting frustrated as he was bored and wanted to leaveA source”He is massively popular in Thailand and a lot of expats go to his shows. But there was nothing he could do.“Thankfully he’s now on the mend.”However Bruno’s management has cancelled a scheduled appearance on Sunday at Manchester’s Hotel Football.It is hoped he will be able to fulfil UK tour commitments in May and June, including an “Evening With” bash at Birmingham City FC.Bruno hung up his gloves in 1996 after a defeat to Mike Tyson.He then struggled after quitting and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998, before splitting with wife Laura in 2001.Bruno is now a mental health campaigner. He told The Sun in 2021 that he was sectioned — for a fifth time — during lockdown.He spent six weeks in hospital after family and friends feared for his safety — and Bruno bravely admitted: “I hit rock bottom.”Sources said his Qatar ordeal was not linked to mental health issues.His manager Dave Davies said: “Frank was flying out to work in Thailand when he was taken ill on the plane at Doha.”Medical crew attended Frank on the plane and at hospital. He’s now recovering and hopes to be back at work as soon as possible.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFrank’s scare came after England footie legend Stuart Pearce spent five days in hospital due to chest pains on a flight home from the US. Stuart is now “in good form” recovering.30YRS ON FROM EPIC WORLD WINBy Michael HamiltonFRANK Bruno’s planned UK tour this year will celebrate 30 years since his greatest achievement — beating Oliver McCall to land the WBC heavyweight title.He outpointed the American in front of a frenzied Wembley crowd in September 1995 — landing the world crown on his fourth attempt.Londoner Frank had made his professional debut in 1982 and became a fan favourite, winning 21 consecutive bouts by KO.He also enjoyed a long-standing TV double act with BBC boxing presenter Harry Carpenter.He popped up on TV shows, Comic Relief appeals and appeared in pantos, with the nation loving his “Know what I mean, ’Arry?” catchphrase.His first world title loss came against Tim Witherspoon in 1986, before defeats to Mike Tyson in 1989 and Lennox Lewis in 1993.After beating McCall, his first defence was against Tyson, who stopped him in round three.Bruno suffered eye damage in the 1996 fight and retired — with a career record of 40 wins from 45 bouts, 38 by knockout.The star has been open about his battles with mental health since quitting.He helps others via his charity The Frank Bruno Foundation, and his book 60 Years a Fighter was published to mark his birthday in 2021.The Sun was invited to the landmark bash, with tributes from stars including Tyson, Stephen Fry and Ricky Hatton. More

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    Premier League stars among 530 footballers being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling

    PREMIER League stars are among 530 footballers being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling and other mental health issues, figures reveal.Last season, 80 professional players sought therapy for problems with illicit substances such as cocaine and nitrous oxide, as well as sleeping pills and booze.Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard, pictured above, recently revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets. He said: “It’s a topic that has been going under the radar.”Some have become addicted to using black market zopiclone tablets to help them sleep as part of their recovery from training.The stars received treatment from the Sporting Chance clinic, which works with the Professional Footballers’ Association.READ MORE ON ADDICTIONOf the 530 supported last season, 42 players got help for gambling addictions.But these latest PFA figures for 2023-24 are said to be just the tip of the iceberg as scores of top stars seek help privately.Officials are also increasingly worried about the prevalence of nicotine pouches, called snus — with one in five professional footballers admitting to using them.And on Friday, it emerged two unnamed players tested positive for a banned ­substance immediately after games in the Premier League and Football League last season, according to UK Anti-Doping.Most read in FootballA dealer, who has supplied sleeping tablets to stars in the Premier League, said: “The main reason some players rely on them is because of their sleeping patterns.“Some expect players to train twice a day and want them to sleep in the afternoon to recover. It’s hard when your body is wired.A Premier League star has become the first footballer to go into rehab for an addiction to nitrous oxide canisters”Other times they rely on them is when they have a big midweek game which kicks off at 8pm. They might not get home until the early hours.“I know a few players who have tried to wean themselves off them but it’s hard.“They go cold turkey and spend days suffering from acute tiredness — but also being unable to sleep.”Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard recently revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets More