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As Manchester UnitedFA Youth Cup-winning captain Rhys Bennett is preparing for his first Christmas since the tragic death of his father. suicidalHe has issued a powerful appeal to people to speak openly about their struggles.
The 22-year-old’s world changed completely in October when he received the heartbreaking news that his father David had taken his own life.
Bennett, who led United to FA Youth Cup glory in 2022 and currently plays for the club’s under-21s, has faced this grave tragedy with remarkable strength and clear purpose.
With suicide being the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK, the centre-back is determined to raise awareness and spark important conversations, especially at what can be a challenging time of year for many.
“The biggest killer of men is men,” Bennett told the Press Association. “You may find it hard to believe, but it is. These situations happen and you don’t want there to be a stigma among people about how they’re feeling. It doesn’t matter what environment you’re in.”
He continued by expressing his vision for a more open society: “I want it to get to a point where everyone talks about their feelings. Even if you’re doing very well in life and things are going well, still talk about how you feel.
“You will have good days, bad days but let people know that life is still worth living. There are a lot of good days to come and everyone is here to help anyone who is in that situation.”
Bennett reflected on the overwhelming support he received as a testament to his connections with people.
“You realize that every single person around you would do anything for you and we would do anything to have her back. We would have done anything for her, and I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who have been in the same situation, or they might think that something might happen.
“Just really reaching out to them and trying to connect with them on a deeper level so that a situation like this doesn’t arise because it doesn’t need to happen.”
Growing up, Bennett idolized his father, learning invaluable lessons about hard work and resilience from a man whose unwavering support helped transform a football-loving child into a professional at United.
The defender candidly states that “I would never have been where I am today without him” and has expressed his deep gratitude for the support he has received from the club, friends and fans. Family Since David’s death.
Motivated by a desire to make his father proud, Bennett hopes to recover from a knee injury before potentially going on loan to a League One club in the new year.
“It gives you a different perspective and it gives you a purpose,” the former Stockport and Fleetwood loanee explained. “Although what happened is a terrible thing, he wouldn’t want it to derail my career and my outlook on life.”
She added, “It seemed like things had become too much for him, but he didn’t want me to go the other way and then I would have no motivation, a lack of vision of where I wanted to end up and the things I wanted to achieve.
“He always wanted to do well for me and how proud he was of that. I’ll keep that with me and that’s what motivates me. I think if anything, that’s what motivates me. You want to make him proud.”
Bennett is also steadfast in his mission to help others avoid making “a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”
She hopes her message will resonate widely: “If this can reach one person, 100 people, no matter who it is – and I’ll never know – I’ll have peace of mind knowing that it might resonate with someone and impact their decision to become more positive and make life changes.”
Her final, heartfelt prayer is simple: “Honestly, just reach out. It doesn’t matter what time of the day, there are helplines all evening, all day, 24 hours a day. Family, friends. Reach out and connect with people and talk. And be there for people.
“Tell them that it doesn’t matter what time of the day it is, I will be there for the people I love and appreciate the most.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans in confidence on 116 123 (UK & ROI), email. jo@samaritans.orgor visit Samaria website to get details of your nearest branch.
If you live in the United States, and you or someone you know needs mental health support right now, call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org To access online chat from 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country then you can go www.befrienders.org To find a helpline near you.