How tragedy led to free ticket offer at Hendon

"If anyone is suffering from depression, loneliness or any form of mental health issue, and believe they would benefit from a couple of hours watching a league game, we'll be only too happy to have them come and watch for nothing," says Hendon chairman Simon Lawrence.

The non-league club has become one of the first in the country to offer free tickets to matches for anyone who feels isolated.

It is an initiative born out of tragedy.

Last November, former Crawley Town manager Dermot Drummy died suddenly at the age of 56.
​
An inquest later heard the former Chelsea youth coach, who had been seeking counselling for his "low mood", had killed himself six months after leaving his job at League Two Crawley.

---