Raising Gambling Awareness with Patrick Foster

We were delighted to welcome Patrick Foster to Dean Close Senior School for a deeply moving and important talk with our pupils. A former professional cricketer, insurance broker and independent school teacher, Patrick now dedicates his time to raising awareness of gambling addiction and the increasing risks associated with online gaming.

Patrick spoke with great honesty about his own journey. A talented cricketer from a young age, he attended a professional academy at just fifteen and went on to sign a professional contract after leaving school. His achievements included selection for the England U19 squad and a place at Durham University. However, it was during his time at university that a seemingly harmless introduction to roulette marked the beginning of a struggle that would profoundly shape his life.

Over the following years, Patrick found himself drawn deeper into addiction, eventually accumulating significant debt and facing overwhelming personal challenges. In March 2018, his situation became so severe that he reached the brink of taking his own life. It was only through the unwavering support of family and friends that he was able to begin his recovery journey.

Today, Patrick uses his experiences to educate and support others. His talk resonated strongly with our pupils, offering a powerful and thought provoking insight into the realities of addiction. He spoke not only about the dangers but also about the importance of openness, emphasising that his greatest regret was not sharing his struggles sooner.

The session provided a valuable opportunity for reflection, particularly around modern gaming habits and the subtle ways in which risk can develop. Patrick also offered practical advice on recognising signs of difficulty and seeking support, reinforcing the importance of community, conversation and care.

One of his reflections was particularly powerful:
“I used to give up everything to get one thing, now I am giving up one thing to get everything else back.”

We are grateful to Patrick for his courage, honesty and generosity in sharing his story, and for helping our pupils better understand both the risks and the importance of looking after their wellbeing and one another.