Manchester United academy star Rhys Bennett’s sister has opened up on the tragic cause behind their father’s loss of life.
The 21-year-old defender shared the unhappy information on social media on Monday morning, describing how he had been left ‘damaged’ by his passing.
And Bennett’s sister, Megan, has additionally taken to Instagram to advocate for psychological well being consciousness, writing: ‘I’m sharing my dad’s story and my expertise as his daughter so as to add to the vital discourse round psychological well being consciousness.
‘Anybody who is aware of me is aware of I’ve labored in psychological well being take care of the final 4 years and this ardour has been pushed by way of lived expertise with my dad.
‘Over the weekend, I misplaced my dad to suicide. That is the results of a lifelong battle of melancholy and alcoholism (dependancy points usually come hand in hand with psychological well being points sadly).
She continued: ‘The ache that myself and my household is left in is pure devastation. Sadly my dad was unable to see the extent to which he was cherished. If you’re ever ready the place you might be doubting how cherished you might be, bear in mind you might be worthy and you might be cherished even if you cannot see it. I’m sharing this in case that is somebody’s signal. Dad, I’ll love you eternally.
The 21-year-old defender shared footage of him and his household together with his father, in addition to the phone numbers for charities that present pressing emotional help
Bennett is from Denton, Manchester, and earned some minutes for the primary staff throughout United’s 2024 pre-season tour of america underneath Erik ten Hag
Bennett pictured (centre) with team-mates together with Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford following Manchester United’s Carabao Cup remaining win in 2023
‘I consider my dad was caught in a cycle feeling trapped by adverse emotions and utilizing alcohol to numb these emotions.
‘Sadly once we use such methods we will not make progress and we will not break the cycle.
‘That is your signal when you’re struggling to get assist, there’s all the time a means out, there’s all the time an individual’s shoulder to lean on, and bear in mind there are providers and teams you can too lean on for help. You by no means should do it alone.’
Rhy Bennett captained the Manchester United facet which gained their first FA Youth Cup in 11 years in 2022 – in a staff which featured Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. He scored within the remaining towards Nottingham Forest at Previous Trafford.
His father David was clearly very pleased with his son’s achievements and frequently posted on-line about his newest successes.
In an Instagram publish accompanied by 4 photos together with his father and household, he wrote: ‘Dad, I by no means thought I’d have to write down this so quickly, over the weekend I discovered that he’d took his personal life.
‘Damaged, devastated, simply don’t need to consider it’s actual however the unhappy actuality is that it’s, from driving me right here, there and in all places as a child to watching me fulfil my dream of changing into knowledgeable footballer.
‘I like you on this life and the following.
Bennett’s sister, Megan, additionally took to social media to advocate for psychological well being consciousness
Manchester United academy star Rhys Bennett has been granted compassionate depart following the loss of life of his father on the weekend – which he revealed on social media
Bennett captained the Manchester United facet which gained their first FA Youth Cup in 11 years in 2022 – in a staff which featured Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – at Previous Trafford
‘Suicide is a everlasting answer to a brief drawback, please converse up, you don’t realise how a lot you might be really cherished.’
The teen from Denton, Manchester additionally shared a publish itemizing the phone numbers for charities that present pressing emotional help.
The membership have supplied him pastoral help and have granted him time away, based on experiences in Manchester Night Information.
In the meantime, a number of United teammates previous and current replied with messages of help.
Dan Gore, 21, mentioned: ‘So sorry brother, sending my like to you and your loved ones.’
Tyler Fredricson wrote: ‘So sorry to listen to mate, sending like to you.’
Gabriele Biancheri posted: ‘Ideas and prayers are with you and your loved ones.’
Jack Kingdon added: ‘So sorry to listen to bro, sending ideas.’
Manchester United have supplied Bennett pastoral help and have granted him time away
A number of United teammates previous and current replied to Bennett’s publish with messages of help
Manchester United’s official Instagram account additionally responded: ‘Heartbreaking information, Rhys. Our deepest condolences to you, your loved ones, and anybody else affected by this devastating loss. All our love.’
After spending final season on mortgage at Fleetwood City the place he made 19 appearances for the League Two facet, he returned to United’s Below-21s for the start of this marketing campaign.
As for senior expertise, Bennett was an unused substitute in United’s 2-0 defeat at West Ham United in December 2023, whereas he earned some minutes for the primary staff throughout their 2024 pre-season tour of america underneath Erik ten Hag.
His two appearances this season for the Below 21s have been towards Athletic Bilbao within the Premier League Worldwide Cup and Lincoln Metropolis within the EFL Trophy final month.
For confidential help, name Samaritans on 116 123, go to samaritans.org or go to www.thecalmzone.web/get-support
