
Grief Led Me To Alcohol | Sky Sports' Simon Thomas
From On The Mend by High Performance
April 27, 2026 · 57 min · Season 3 · Episode 39
About this episode
Simon Thomas shares his raw and honest journey through grief and addiction following the death of his wife.
Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas delivers one of the most raw and honest accounts of grief and addiction ever shared in the public eye. Following the sudden death of his wife, Gemma, Simon faced a years-long battle with secret drinking while navigating the pressures of public life and parenthood. In this episode, he exposes the "release valve" of alcohol that promised an escape but led to a darker reality. Simon also shares the complexities of finding love again with his partner Doina, the crushing weight of "being strong," and the powerful realization that while life will never be the same, it can, and will, be good again. This episode covers the following themes: Grief, Addiction, Resilience, Fatherhood, and Recovery. Need Support? Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org Narcotics Anonymous: na.org Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk Shout: https: giveusashout.org IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/ Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Host: High Performance
Guest: Simon Thomas
Topics covered
- Grief
- Addiction
- Resilience
- Fatherhood
- Recovery
Keywords
- grief
- addiction
- resilience
- fatherhood
- recovery
- Simon Thomas
- alcohol
Sponsors
Vitals
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Samaritans, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Mental Health Mates, Shout, IAPT
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