Washington author and former Black Cat launches inspirational book with Sunderland legend Kevin Ball
Bally will appear as a special guest speaker.
A former Black Cat who nearly died playing for Sunderland before the 1973 FA Cup final launches an inspirational book this month that reflects on his life of football, family and faith.
When he was 19, Maurice Hepworth had already played for Sunderland’s first team and had spent the season hoping he might be part of the biggest day of his young life - the hallowed cup final.
Instead, after suffering life-threatening internal injuries while captaining Sunderland’s reserves during cup final week, he was in hospital and unable to watch the game.
It would become a defining moment in his life and one of many he reflects on in his book Add To You: Lessons from a Life of Football, Family and Faith.
Described as a searingly honest account of a life shaped by football, family, faith and adversity, Add To You reflects on the lessons Maurice has learned throughout a journey that has taken him from professional football into a lifetime of helping and inspiring others.
England goalkeeper and ex Sunderland favourite Jordan Pickford is featured in the book as Maurice reflects on his many years working in leadership and guiding young football players at some of the best known clubs in the country.
The book will be launched in Washington, at St George’s Church in Harraton on Sunday, September 13.
And helping him celebrate the occasion will be Sunderland legend Kevin Ball, who will appear as special guest speaker.
The event, which runs from 7pm until 9pm, will give people the opportunity to hear first-hand the remarkable story behind Maurice’s deeply personal and thought-provoking book.
For Maurice, having Kevin Ball alongside him on launch night makes the occasion even more special.
Maurice said: “Kevin is absolutely perfect to help launch the book.
“He is a superb leader and a hugely inspirational human being, and his career at Sunderland speaks for itself.He knows what it means to lead, to overcome challenges and to inspire people around him.
“I know the evening is going to be very special, with so many inspiring moments to recall and share. For me, having Kevin there makes the launch even more meaningful and I’m really looking forward to welcoming everyone along and sharing the story behind the book.”
Bally remains one of Sunderland’s most respected former players, making more than 300 appearances for the club and captaining the Black Cats during one of the most memorable periods in their modern history.
His leadership, passion and commitment earned him legendary status among supporters and Maurice believes those qualities make him the ideal person to help launch a book centred on resilience, purpose and personal growth.
The launch evening will include discussion about the book, stories from Maurice’s life and career, reflections on the experiences that shaped him and the opportunity for guests to meet both Maurice and Kevin.
Maurice hopes people from Washington, Sunderland and across the wider region will come along and be part of the occasion.
“This is much more than a book launch,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to share experiences, memories and lessons learned throughout life.
“If people leave feeling encouraged, inspired or challenged to look at life differently, then the book will have achieved exactly what I hoped it would.”
The Add To You book launch takes place on Sunday, September 13, from 7pm to 9pm at St George’s Church, Vigo Lane, Harraton, Washington. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.