AN ex-Sunderland footballer has recounted his inspiring life story in a new book, which delivers a message of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
From the highest highs to the lowest lows, ex-professional footballer, former businessman, and now mentoring and leadership coach Maurice Hepworth has been through it all.
The 73-year-old Barrasford native has told his story, warts and all, in a new book titled Add To You: Lessons from a Life of Football, Family and Faith, which reflects on his football career, family life, Christian faith and the many challenges he has overcome.
The book, published by Maddison House Press on September 6, is set for a local launch night at 7pm this Thursday (September 24) at Hexham Auction Mart, where Hepworth will meet the public, sign copies of the book, and, through "humour, honesty and heartfelt reflection," will tell the stories that have defined his life. No tickets are required.
In Add to You, the proud, self-proclaimed mackem sets forth his tumultuous time at Sunderland, revealing details about players, managers and the dressing room.
"Sunderland was always my club," he said. "I absolutely adore the Sunderland fans. They are incredible people."
Hepworth also reflects on a near-death experience which became one of several setbacks during his football career.
"I nearly died on the pitch that night," he added. "I was in danger for two weeks and had an emergency operation."
"It was the beginning of a long, long journey."
The book also charts his career regeneration in Africa, where he was named South African Player of the Year in 1977 and recalls playing alongside Vincent Julius in what Hepworth describes as the first multi-racial match involving a white South African club during the apartheid era.
Add To You also explores Hepworth's business success, including his work with PepsiCo and later MH Coaching and Leadership, and his mentoring of young footballers, such as England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during Pickford's time in Sunderland's academy system.
The book covers major personal hardships, including cancer, bereavement, mental health struggles within his family and caring responsibilities.
Hepworth now devotes much of his time to mentoring, leadership coaching, cancer-related volunteering and community work.
He said: "There's not much that I haven't had to cope with, and it has made me so much stronger."
"I've survived stage four cancer. My wife has survived breast cancer. My son-in-law took his own life, and I was the first one on the scene. My brother has had serious mental health issues, and I'm his carer for now."
Despite the setbacks, Hepworth remains optimistic.
He said: "It's been a difficult journey, but it's also been an incredible journey."
His advice is simple: "Find the real you that exists inside of you and surround yourself with people who care for you."
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