England football legend Terry Butcher is backing a powerful new book that he believes could help save lives like that of his son.
You Are Not Alone, written by Rob Parker, raises awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among military veterans and their families.
Terry’s son, Christopher Butcher, died in 2017 aged just 35 from a heart condition linked to PTSD.
Since then, the former Three Lions captain has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and support those affected.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
Later this month, Terry will join Rob to speak at the official launch of You Are Not Alone and sign copies of the book.
Told through the perspectives of veteran Jack, his wife Sarah, and their two children, the short illustrated story captures the hidden struggles faced by families when a loved one returns home from military service.
Terry said: “Nothing like this was available when my son was alive. When I read it, it really hit home. I could relate to it deeply. It resonates across generations, showing how the fallout of trauma affects the entire family. PTSD can feel like a ticking time bomb, with an unpredictable fuse. This book will give hope and support to so many.”
Author Rob Parker, a primary school teacher, added: “You Are Not Alone is a book for everyone. Christopher’s story was heartbreakingly real, and I wanted to blend that truth with the fictional world of Jack and his family. The key message is that asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness. The book also highlights where people can find the support they need.”
Terry Butcher's son, Christopher Butcher, tragically died of a heart condition linked to PTSD back in 2017
|GETTY
One of the organisations Terry has supported for over a decade is Combat2Coffee, where he serves as patron and whose mantra is ‘changing lives - one sip at a time’. The idea for You Are Not Alone was sparked by a “chance encounter” between Rob and Combat2Coffee founder and CEO Nigel Seaman. Moved by the stories Nigel shared, Rob wanted to amplify their mission through his writing.
Donations from book profits will be reinvested into Combat2Coffee, while charities Scotty’s Little Soldiers and The Not Forgotten, supporting bereaved children and socially isolated veterans, will also benefit.
At the launch, Nigel will speak alongside outreach worker Mandy, whose husband took his own life, and her son, who will share how Combat2Coffee helped their family.
The free event takes place on 20 November at Arlingtons, Ipswich, where Terry and Rob, both from the Suffolk town, will speak and sign copies. An Ipswich Town shirt signed by current players will also be auctioned for charity.
According to mental health charity MIND, PTSD occurs “when something traumatic happens in your life [and] it rocks you to the core.” Veterans are over 10% more likely than civilians to experience mental health issues such as depression or alcohol misuse.
For more information, click here.
About Combat2Coffee
Founded by Nigel Seaman, Combat2Coffee is a community interest company supporting veterans and emergency service personnel living with PTSD.
After 12 years in the British Army, and later as a firefighter and prison officer, Nigel was medically discharged.
During a trauma recovery course, he began brewing coffee for fellow attendees and realised its power to start conversations.
Combat2Coffee now imports beans from a family-run farm in Brazil, roasted in Ipswich by veterans, ex-blue-light workers, and ex-offenders. Profits from every cup fund the organisation’s outreach work, providing direct, grassroots support without reliance on grants.
In the past year, Combat2Coffee hosted 2,395 attendances at its coffee mornings and breakfasts, offering one-to-one support to 107 individuals. The organisation also collaborates with a range of veteran and mental health charities to expand its impact.