simon cooper

just an ordinary guy !

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@JohnSmithswq1 @5Nyk____ Turns out it isn't. I thought the same but it's widely reported on news outlets

[Stan Collymore @StanCollymore]

Graham Thorpe, England cricketer, with beautiful daughters, loving wife, family and friends.

Took his own life.

Too many men in particular, at a time when information is plentiful, charities on standby, text, phone and email services ready, are deciding to end their lives.

Many reading this, like me will have hit very close to where Graham got but stopped short, just. It's a desperate, confusing and frightening experience mixed with a matter of factness that at the time feels sobering, you feel you're thinking and acting clearly but you're not.

Graham's wife took the decision to tell the world of how Graham both lived and sadly died, in the hope that if you or someone you know are struggling you'll grab one of the branches set out below and contact someone who can and will help.

When someone takes their life, there's a trail of pain, questions and few answers, but many of us know that anxiety and depression gets so bad that life simply doesn't feel worth living. In my case I was lucky, very lucky. I ran, and ran some more until clouds lifted, the anxiety moved away and I could think straight. Looking back I've been seconds away from death several times, so reading about Graham is incredibly confronting, upsetting and sobering as I'm sure it is for many.

I didn't know Graham but his story is all too familiar. Anxiety and depression for men, particularly men, hides invisible as the forced machismo creates a mask, a shield. You laugh, you crack a joke, you "look" ok and you carry on. But then one day as if you were preparing a meal, you take stock, prepare your deed and,

You take your life.

Leaving others with a lifetime of pain.

You don't mean to, it's the last thing you want, but it's the unintended consequences of a decision made, nonetheless.

If you're reading this, and can relate to any of the above, firstly have 5 minutes to think of Graham, his children and his wife, they need all the love and support that can be sent their way.

Then, if you're anxious, depressed, really struggling, ease know that my email is open to sound off, that charities such as the Samaritans are there 24/7, SANE charity phone line is open from 4pm to 10pm daily, MIND have drop in centres nationally and emergence services will always help on 999 or NHS 111.

To Graham and his family, you're on my mind and the mind of many, and to those struggling, you're a second away from help even in your darkest hour.

Protect life. Yours.

Stand up. Speak out.

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@Mofoman360 My country. Proud Englishman.

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@Gangsterwhite1 @NFL @RapSheet Cheerio then

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@DPJHodges Cute bunny ears though

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@FootbalIhub First time I've seen them..

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@Jenny_1884 Because Conservative voters will eat the crayons.

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@Nigel_Farage For the first time I am considering changing my Labour vote. There is still much to ponder but the fact that my head is being turned has to be a good thing for British politics #GeneralElection4July

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@ActionBrexit @reformparty_uk For the first time I am considering changing my Labour vote. There is still much to ponder but the fact that my head is being turned has to be a good thing for British politics #GeneralElection4July #vote

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@Mofoman360 Had way more than enough of them a long time ago. Every act of vandalism makes me despise them even more, every time it's vulnerable older people or vulnerable younger people carrying out the vandalism makes me despise the organisers and the financial backers even more.

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@leeharris It's about time these vandals were given appropriate repercussions for their actions. I bet a different demographic from a different part of town would be dealt with totally differently. Boils my piss.

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@FactCheckMp An absolute shit show trying to get home. Bus drivers literally gave up, we were on one to get to Tottenham Hale and the driver just stopped the bus and said thats it, no buses until the traffic clears up ! Absolute shambles.

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@mhmaskgunners

Who out of the current squad would you put into the best starting 11 you played in and why ? #mhmaskgunners

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@mhmaskgunners

Who out of the current squad would you put into the best starting 11 you played in and why ?

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@mhmaskgunners

Who out of the current squad would you put into the best starting 11 you played in and why ?

[VeryBritishProblems @SoVeryBritish]

Reasons to let out a weird little “oop” noise

Most common reason: Doors.
1. You’ve tried to push a pull door
2. The automatic door hasn’t opened and you’re right up against it
3. You’re trying to go through a door just as someone is coming out of it

Other reasons:
-You’ve gone to shake someone’s hand but they’ve gone in for a hug
-You’re walking towards someone on a narrow path and you both repeatedly choose the same side as you try to pass
-You’ve opened the wrong cupboard
-You’ve walked in on something you shouldn’t have
-You’ve turned a blind corner and nearly bumped into someone
-You’ve missed the last step
-You’re accidentally falling off a cliff

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@DerekMackenzie_ The one next to her already wound me up earlier with her face like a slapped arse and no point to make.

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@ElaineJackson12 @LozzaFox I spent the day in town yesterday photographing, Portobello, a demonstration outside the Iranian Embassy, a demonstration in Trafalgar, evening along the Southbank. Walked everywhere as usual and I didn't feel threatened once. I know, not hotbeds of crime but nor are museums.

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@LewisCapaldi On our way....third time lucky...strike one was COVID...strike two was a bereavement...so you better be fecking good 😂

[simon cooper @simdoguk]

@NFLUK There already was...so probably still call them The London Monarchs