A football fan raising money for mental health charities has been struck by the kindness and hospitality shown to him.
Ilkeston man Stephen Roome was on a mission to visit every Premiership and EFL football ground in memory of a former school friend and fellow football fan who had taken his own life.
At some of the places he visited he was given a tour of the stadium.
His friend Andy Jansen Boot had emigrated to Australia with his family in 2006, but they kept in touch via social media.
Then in March this year Stephen received the sad news that his buddy had passed away. He knew he had been having mental health issues but was shocked at the tragic outcome.
“I didn’t know what to say, what to do, how to feel,” Stephen said. “I don’t think it’s something I’m ever going to quite come to terms with. You have to live with it the best way you can.”
Stephen writes about his 2,500 mile trip over two weeks in the next Ilkeston Life paper.
