We’ve lost a popular comrade in Daryll Surtees.
Our dear friend, Daryll Surtees first joined our five‑a‑side tournament a few years back, and from that day he became part of everything we did. He brought his Shields lads into the fold and was the main reason we managed to pull together a last‑minute Lava Cup entry in Scotland. Since then, he’s been central to so many 11‑a‑side and 9‑a‑side games — always the first person I messaged, and always the one who delivered. We’ve now got an entire new set of football comrades who regularly take part in our games and are heading to Austria with us on our latest tour — all of it starting with Daryll turning up that first time.
Northumbria Police reported his last sighting on Marsden Beach in early May. Daryll had his own battles, and those close to him knew the weight he carried. But he adored his kids, loved the game, and never once hesitated to turn up and get involved.
He’ll be missed massively. Football brought us together, but losing him has hit hard. The games won’t feel the same without him.
A list of local support is shown below, but there are plenty of Facebook groups out there to help. Even drop me a WhatsApp and I’ll help in anyway I can.
Local Men’s Mental Health Support
- Andy’s Man Club – Men’s peer support groups (Sunderland, South Shields, Newcastle)
- ManHealth – Men’s mental health peer-support groups (North East)
- Tyneside & Northumberland Mind – Local mental health support
- Sunderland Mind – Local mental health charity and groups
- Wellbeing Info – Directory of services in Sunderland & South Tyneside
National Support
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Men’s mental health & suicide prevention
- Samaritans – 24/7 listening support
Community Groups
