Some fans on social media have been lauding West Ham Women captain Gilly Flaherty as she revealed her past struggles with mental health.
In an interview with the club as part of the Women’s Super League’s Heads Up campaign, Flaherty discussed an attempted suicide when she was a teenager at Arsenal whilst struggling to come to terms with her football, her education and her sexuality.
Flaherty feeling comfortable enough to talk about her problems and getting help from West Ham and the league do so is one of the few positive things to come out of the club recently.
The 28-year-old has captained Matt Beard’s side fiercely since joining before their first step into professional football and is clearly a much-treasured member of the Hammers family, helping to keep the side comfortably afloat in WSL 1 and to get to the FA Cup final last season.
You can see the pick of the admiration for Flaherty and her openness in speaking out, below…
So proud of my captain opening up like this. We are all here for @Gilly_flaherty no matter what https://t.co/mO3FgK3EfR
— Allie Coker (@axlsgirl) February 6, 2020
Wow is all I can say, Gilly what an inspiration you are and I know my Daughter looks up to you massively and she has her heart set on playing for the West Ham Ladies 1 day x
— John Barrett (@johnbarrett75) February 6, 2020
Great respect to Gilly for opening up here – best wishes for the future – you are an inspiration
— mikejoyce (@hammersmikey) February 6, 2020
I have MH problems and it is brave and very refreshing for a famous person/ athlete to come out and discuss thier issues. Well done Gilly you are a hero to thousands xx
— krissy B (@krisbell77) February 6, 2020
Very powerful message. Our captain ⚒❤️
— Michelle (@MichelleIrons10) February 6, 2020
Thank you Gilly for sharing very proud of you 😘
— Ally M ♈ 🏴 (@MollyIsInnocent) February 6, 2020
