A FORMER premiership football player turned pastor will be visiting Dorset’s county town to discuss how faith changed his life.
Bruce Dyer became the UK’s first teenage football star to make a £1m transfer after joining Crystal Palace in 1994.
However, what many people do not know is that he battled with addiction, depression and anxiety – problems he overcame with the help of his faith.
Mr Dyer will be visiting The Storehouse Church in Dorchester on Saturday, February 8 to share his story.
Pastor Mark Topp of The Storehouse Church said: “Bruce will be coming to the church to share his testimony about his life and premiership football career.
“He will be talking about being addicted to drugs, his battle with depression and anxiety and how his life was turned around through faith and Jesus.
“Bruce is well known in Barnsley where he is a pastor at a church, and he coaches and works with children and does prison ministry.
“He will be sharing his story which is incredible. I have heard a little bit because we met up in the summer. We connected through Facebook a little while ago. He shared bits and pieces of his story, but I haven’t heard it in its entirety. It will be really good.
“I don’t think people know a lot about his faith, but it’s a great opportunity to hear his story.
“It’s one of those things that affects everyone, anxiety and depression, just because he is a footballer, doesn’t mean he is exempt from those things.
“He is just a bloke who had an amazing football career but suffered from anxiety and depression and turned his life around through Jesus.
“People look at celebrities and footballers and think they’ve got it all worked out, but at the end of the day they’re human just like you and me.”
He added: “I’m looking forward for people coming along, it’s a great opportunity to hear his story and everyone is more than welcome to attend.
“They don’t need to be football fan. I am sure his story will speak to a lot of people.”
An Evening with Bruce Dyer will take place at The Storehouse Church on Saturday, February 8.
Tickets cost £5 and include refreshments.
People wishing to attend should arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
For more information, email Mark Topp on mark.thestorehouse@gmail.com
