John Hartson’s journey in football began in 1992 and quickly flourished into a distinguished career, with the Welsh striker making a significant impact on the pitch. He achieved 167 goals over 399 club appearances, including a standout period with Celtic, where he joined the elite group of players who scored over 100 goals for the team. John’s skills were also showcased internationally, as he earned 51 caps for Wales and netted 14 goals. His talent earned him wide recognition, including Welsh Footballer of the Year titles in 1998, 2001, and 2003, as well as prestigious accolades like the PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year and SFWA Footballer of the Year in 2005. After retiring, he became a well-known sports pundit for networks such as Setanta Sports, ITV, and BT Sport.
However, John’s life took a dramatic turn in 2009 when he was diagnosed with stage-four cancer. The disease had started as testicular cancer but had spread to his brain and lungs. He had noticed lumps years earlier but delayed seeking medical attention, a decision that made his battle far more difficult. Facing aggressive treatment and multiple surgeries, he emerged as a survivor with a powerful message about the importance of early detection. This experience led him to establish The John Hartson Foundation, aimed at raising awareness about testicular cancer and supporting others facing similar battles.
In addition to his health struggles, John has been candid about his fight with gambling addiction, an issue that deeply affected his personal and professional life. Through his openness, he sheds light on the realities of addiction and encourages others to recognise the signs and seek help. His involvement in events such as Safer Gambling Week highlights his commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices.
As a speaker, John Hartson draws from these experiences to engage and inspire audiences. His story of overcoming life’s toughest challenges – whether in sports, health, or personal struggles – resonates deeply. He is also a vocal advocate for tackling the stigma surrounding addiction. Having struggled with gambling addiction, John knows firsthand the shame and secrecy that often accompany the issue. His decision to share his journey publicly has helped to demystify addiction, framing it not as a moral failure but as a serious mental health condition that requires support and understanding. By speaking out, he aims to show that recovery is possible and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. He emphasises resilience, mental health, and the courage to confront issues before they escalate, making him a passionate advocate for wellbeing at events and conferences.
“We had our special star guest, the ex-professional, Premiership and International footballer John Hartson, who presented his fascinating, inspirational and deeply honest personal story. This was an absolutely amazing presentation covering a multitude of important topics and at times amusing stories and anecdotes. In a short amount of time, John managed to cover many subjects such as; success in sport, ambition, gambling addiction, cancer, resilience and recovery. He also made time to field a range of questions from the audience.”
“It was a pleasure to welcome John Hartson to Parkland Place to discuss our services and the help we offer to those struggling with gambling addiction. We look forward to building this relationship and sharing our expertise.”
“John was a brilliant, fantastic speaker and very sociable outside of the dinner arena – would highly recommend.”
The Mental Health Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for emotional wellbeing experts since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes athletes, psychologists, celebrities and more, to ensure that audiences of all demographics receive tailored, impactful mental health guidance.
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