On World Mental Health Day, Chesterfield FC Women midfielder, Kel Fidler has spoken about her struggles with mental health following the passing of her mum in 2023.
She said: “It’ll be two years ago next month and obviously that’s been very difficult, still is. Just having a constant something, which is football as a release has been really important. Something where I can just go to training for those two hours or on a matchday and completely switch off where there are no outside noises.”
Kel claimed that she is still affected to this day, adding: “Some days are harder than others, of course. It’s just important to look after yourself and it’s all right if you’re having a bad day, it’s okay to feel like that, sometimes you just have to let it be.”
Speaking on an important teammate at the club, Kel said: “Millie Standen has always been important, she’s always been there for me since I’ve been at Chesterfield. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything to a person for them to know that you’re not okay and she’ll always put an arm around me and make sure I’m all right.
“It’s important that you know there’s always someone there for you and to not go through it on your own. For me, like I said, football is a massive release and having that time away just from life, just being able to play football has been a real big help for me.”
