James Grimes is a lifelong football fan and recovering gambling addict. Born in 1990, he grew up in Norfolk supporting Peterborough United and got hooked on gambling aged 16. In 12 years of addiction he’d lost around £100,000 admitting that he couldn’t watch football without betting.

In December 2019 James was nearly two years clean and had moved to Manchester. That same year he founded the Big Step charity project, which walks and talks football clubs through the dangers of gambling to protect the next generation of fans.

James’ addiction caused him to lose two jobs, relationships, trust within his family and career prospects, as well as seeing him rack up 20 different pay-day loans. In the summer of 2019 he walked 125 miles between eight different football stadiums and raised nearly £4,000 as part of The Big Step.

If you’re struggling with gambling addiction or know somebody that is, you can get help from the NHS Northern Gambling Service by calling on 0300 3001490, email [email protected] or visit https://www.northerngamblingservice.n....