A former professional footballer is to share his life story at a free event at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

Preston-born Clarke Carlisle, who has recurrent depressive disorder and has had multiple suicide attempts, will be joined by his wife Carrie on 20 March to discuss ‘Mental Health – Let’s move the conversation on’.

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During his 17-year playing career, Clarke made more than 500 appearances for nine clubs, including Blackpool and Burnley, and he was the Chairman of the Professional Football Association.

The footballer will be discussing mental health, after struggling for years, leading to a failed suicide attempt in 2014 when he was hit by a lorry on the A64 near Bishopthorpe, North Yorkshire, and was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary.

The duo will share their story of recovery and in doing so will call for a mental health revolution in the hope of making a difference to others.

Principal Lecturer Leona Trimble, from UCLan’s School of Sport and Health Sciences, said: “By sharing their deeply moving and personal journey, Clarke and Carrie will encourage us to move the mental health conversation forward to incorporate competence and confidence in ourselves and the services around us.”

The free session, which takes place from on Friday 20 March from 12pm until 2.30pm in UCLan’s Vernon Building room 011, will be supported by UCLan Student Services and local mental health agencies.

To book tickets visit Eventbrite.

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Will you be going to the event? Let us know in the comments.