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Barnsley Fan Gets Touching Letter From Club's Chief Exec After Struggling With Mental Health

Barnsley Fan Gets Touching Letter From Club's Chief Exec After Struggling With Mental Health

The chief exec sent a personal letter to the Reds fan after seeing on social media that he had been struggling with anxiety and depression

Nathan Standley

Nathan Standley

A Barnsley fan has been sent a touching personal letter from the club's chief executive after he had posted about his struggles with mental health on social media.

Just a few days ago, Chris Ryder took to Twitter to say he had been suffering with anxiety, stress and depression.

After kind-hearted commenters supported him over social media, he said: "Just want to say thank you for everyone's messages over the last few days, I've read them all and they've meant a lot and helped a lot. Couldn't be any lower than I've been, but the only way is up."

Then on Tuesday (14 August), a letter came through his door that he certainly wasn't expecting.

It was from Barnsley FC's chief executive Gauthier Ganaye, who pledged his and the football club's support to Chris.

In the letter, Ganaye, who is the football league's youngest chief exec at 30 years old, said: "Sorry for sending you a letter at random, but I felt like I wanted to reach out to you and get in touch."

He said he had noticed on social media that Chris had been having a bit of a hard time recently and added: "You've been a fan of the club for many years and always supported us, so we want you to know that if the favour needs returning and we need to support you, please do let us know."

Oakwell, home of Barnsley FC.
PA

He also joked about Alfie Mawson's sell-on clause after the former Barnsley centre-back was bought by Fulham in the summer transfer window.

Ganaye said: "You are welcome to swing by any time. My office door is always open and we've finally got a new coffee machine, a huge thanks to Alfie Mawson for that!"

He then added the contact details for mental health charity MIND, before adding: "Keep supporting the Reds, Chris. We'll keep supporting you."

Tweeting an image of the letter, Chris said: "Best football club in the world."

The tweet has since received over 30,000 likes and the replies are filled with people support for Chris and praise for Ganaye's gesture.

A fellow Reds fan said: "Fantastic Gauthier Ganaye - a real statement not only that the club is there for its fans but also that we absolutely have to talk openly and look after each other. I hope you're doing ok Chris and on any day you're not know you can turn left or right at Oakwell and let someone know."

Another added: "This is class. Many people are here, myself included, for a chat if you ever need one. Take care of yourself, mate."

Featured Image Credit: Twitter / @CWRyder

Topics: SPORT, UK News, Mental Health