Successful Sixth Form lecture

Wetherby Senior’s Sixth Form lecture, with peers from Queen’s College, London, saw Patrick Foster share how, for a number of years, he hid a secret and debilitating gambling addiction. The debt and lies this involved had huge consequences for his mental health, meaning he even contemplated suicide before receiving help to overcome his gambling addition. from the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

Year 12, Natan, said: “Patrick’s lecture was very informative and clearly demonstrated the impact of such an addiction. It also showed how these addictions can take over a person’s life, just starting with a simple bet from friends. Patrick also talked about how to prevent such addictions and how to help others who might be going through these.

“I thought it was very interesting to hear from someone who had been through so much and whose addiction had nearly ruined his whole life, as it helps you understand what some people are going through, even when everything in their life seems to be perfect.”

Mrs Deedat, Head of Sixth Form, added: “Our Year 12 cohort are currently discussing gambling and addictions more widely in PSHE. This includes ‘modern’ gambling issues linked to gaming and cryptocurrency, which are less regulated than conventional gambling.

“We are very grateful to Patrick for visiting Marylebone this week to speak to our sixth formers about his own experiences.”

Patrick Foster now works to raise awareness about gambling addiction and, as well as providing talks in schools, has published a book about his story – Might Bite: The Secret Life of a Gambling Addict.