Former SAFC player releases book to help others with the trials and tribulations of life

Former Sunderland AFC player Maurice Hepworth has officially released his new book ‘Add to you, Lessons from a life of Football, Family and Faith’, with all the proceeds going to two charities close to the 1973 squad member’s heart.

The book is much more than an account of his football career, which was cut short by two horrific injuries, the first of which took place at Roker Park, just weeks before the FA Cup final, not only ruling him out of selection, but also nearly ending his life as he was rushed to Sunderland Royal Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured bowel and spleen.

It was not the only time Maurice faced death and his own mortality.

He explained: “In 2008 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer, for which I underwent a prostatectomy. I remember sitting with the consultant and he made it clear my situation was not good and I had to face the prospect of death.

“When you face death head on, it totally changes your life. I only got through it because if my wife Megan and my faith.”

Maurice’s career was eventually ended by a leg breaking challenge at the age of 25 whilst playing for Arcadia Shepherds in South Africa.

The immediate aftermath of the injury proved to be an epiphany for Maurice.

He said: “As a player, you know when another player is going to do you. It was 1978 and the team we were playing had a big centre forward who came over the top and broke my tibia and fibula. As I hit the ground, I just had this feeling my heart that God was there for me, and despite the pain, I was going to be okay.

“It was the beginning of my journey of faith.”

Whilst football inevitably plays a prominent role in Maurice’s story, it’s the trials and tribulations he faced in his life and how his family and faith got him through.

He explained: “I’ve been through so many challenges in my life, and I just knew I had to get my story out there, not to make money - I’m not making a penny from this book - but to help others.

“It’s the reason why I called the book ‘Add to you’. If just one person reads this book and can take something which helps them with their own trials and tribulations, then I have added to their life and it will have been worthwhile.”

On Sunday (September 13) Maurice was joined by his “good friend” and Sunderland AFC legend Kevin Ball for an official book launch at St George’s Church in Harraton, which is Maurice’s parish church.

Compared by his daughter, Sarah, Maurice spoke about his book and fielded questions along with former skipper Kevin Ball about their careers.

Maurice said: “It was a really great event and it was very humbling to see how many people came along.”

All proceeds from the book go to Maurice’s two chosen charities; Daft as Brush, which provides transport to patients with cancer and for whom Maurice is a driver, and Shalom Ministries in South Africa.

The book retails at £12.99 and can be purchased from Kindle, Amazon, Waterstones, and all good book shops.