Patrick Foster is a former professional cricketer, insurance broker and school teacher whose life was shattered by a pathological gambling addiction. He now devotes his life to preventing others following the same path through his work with EPIC Risk Management, the leading gambling harm-minimisation consultancy in the UK. Will Macpherson is a sports journalist. For the last two years he has been the Evening Standard’s cricket and rugby correspondent. Before joining the Evening Standard, he worked mainly for the Guardian and the Times.
Powerful ... electrifying ... compelling ... challenges deep-seated class assumptions about gambling ... [which is] still regarded as a problem for poor people, for losers. You only have to read Foster's unflinching account of entitlement, self-hatred and degradation to know that is the biggest lie of all. -- Melanie Reid * The Times * [A] mesmerising, superbly written story of despair, decline and redemption ... Searingly honest ... compelling ... should be in the hands of anyone who has eyed a bet * Daily Mail * Reading of Foster's descent is itself compulsive * The i * An extraordinary story ... vital stuff * Adrian Chiles, BBC Radio 5 Live * An in-depth testimony ... show[s] how anybody can fall prey to gambling addiction. * Daily Telegraph * A powerful story that I know only too well - a no-holds barred journey through gambling addiction and into the hope of recovery. * Paul Merson * A well written, ruthlessly honest account of gambling addiction * Jimmy McGovern * As a society, we are only just getting to grips with gambling addiction. Patrick Foster is a trailblazer. His work will help many. * Marcus Trescothick * Foster's compelling account of a once charmed life careering on a downward spiral proves [gambling addiction] can affect anyone. * Bristol Post * A shocking insight into life with gambling addiction and proof that these issues really don't discriminate. * Tom Curry, England rugby player * A must read journey through gambling addiction and out the other side - ultimately uplifting. * Charlotte Edwards CBE, ex-professional cricketer and England captain * This story will stop you in your tracks. * Sam Billings, England cricketer *