Eighteen years ago, Caroline Elwood-Stokes, fell pregnant at the age of 15 which meant she had to stop playing football – the sport she loved.
It triggered Caroline to suffer severe depression, but thanks to support from counsellors, her GP and medication, she has turned her life around and is now helping others who are suffering from similar problems.
Former footballers’ Bolero challenge to help tackle depression
A Sheffield women who was forced to stop playing football after an unexpected life experience has challenged herself to learn an iconic ice dance, all in aid of a charity she has set up to help those who suffer from post sport career mental issues.
In a bid to help others beat mental health issues, Caroline set up Football’s Awareness of Depression Football Community (FAD FC), which is based in Lowedges in Sheffield.
To raise awareness and funds for the organisation Caroline is taking part in a ‘skate to better health’ challenge to learn how to dance the ‘Bolero’ at iceSheffield.
Caroline has been guided by experienced coaches at iceSheffield to learn choreography, skills and techniques to skate the routine which was made famous by Torvill and Dean 30 years ago.
Caroline, 33, said: “When I lost my football career I went through many years with severe depression, and even the mention of football made me cry, and now since setting up FAD FC I have been able to help others in the community who may be experiencing similar difficulties.
“After a long time of cutting myself off from society I am now able to achieve one of my life goals and to be able to dance the Bolero will be a major accomplishment.
“I can’t thank the coaches at iceSheffield enough for helping me to do this and I hope I am able to raise lots of money and awareness of mental health issues around sport.”
David Bly, programme and development manager at iceSheffield, which is operated by Sheffield International Venues (SIV), said: “Caroline has achieved so much in the last year and we are more than happy to support her through her ice skating challenge.
“Many sports people suffer from mental health problems after an injury or other issues and Caroline’s story highlights that. She has been working hard with our coaches and we hope she manages to raise plenty of funds for FAD FC as she trains to skate the now legendary Bolero dance!
“What better time to learn such an iconic routine than in its 30th anniversary year .”
Caroline Elwood-Stokes - Founder & Author of FAD FC
Caroline Elwood-Stokes