Unforgettable cover art

Unforgettable

Rugby, Dementia and the Fight of My Life

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Unforgettable

By: Steve Thompson
Narrated by: Steve Thompson, Ben Cohen, Sir Clive Woodward, Colin Mace, Sir Ian McGeechan, Lewis Moody, Maria Armstrong, Paul Grayson, Andy Robinson
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About this listen

**Winner of the Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year Award 2023**

**Winner of the Rugby Book of the Year Award 2023**

**Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2022**

RUGBY, DEMENTIA AND THE FIGHT OF MY LIFE

In 2003, England won the Rugby World Cup. Steve Thompson was in England's front row, at the heart of the match, and at the heart of the scrum - one of sport's most violent battlegrounds.

But triumph came at a cost. Today, he remembers nothing about playing in that final. In his words, watching the tape back is like watching a ghost.

The years of hurt, and the culture of sucking up punishment and coming back for more, have taken a terrible toll. Steve has been diagnosed with early onset dementia, and serious progressive brain damage. Steve and his wife Steph had a happy family life planned, with decades ahead of them. Now he needs to capture these elusive memories for the sake of his children, before they disappear forever.

With stories contributed by his world-cup winning teammates and his former manager, Sir Clive Woodward, Unforgettable is raw, powerful storytelling. This tale of hope and courage stands as testament to the ultimate strength of the human mind - and to a man no longer pushing himself to the limit for competition, but for his own place in the world.

©2022 Steve Thompson (P)2022 Bonnier Books UK Alzheimer's & Dementia Physical Illness & Disease Rugby Sports Dementia Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking England

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Critic reviews

"As brave as they come." (Gareth Thomas)

"So powerful. This book might just change the way you think about sports forever." (Sir Clive Woodward)
All stars
Most relevant
Absolutely opening to the pains,struggles, highs and lows of his career and life. Narrated by himself, some may consider slightly single toned, however you feel like Steve is sat there with you telling you face to face. Eye opening account to the reality of what is being sugar coated by the world of rugby.

worth a read to anyone, not just rugby fans

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I couldn't stop listening. totally enthralled by the issues arising from dementia. to hear it in such stark reality. Rugby used to be a contact sport now its a collision sport and more needs to be done to protect players and their families from such horrific life changing consequences

moving heartfelt real life event

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This isn't an autobiography, more an illustration of avoidable damage to a young man's brain.
An honest account of the cost of playing a sport.
Showing how with the use of basic first aid and changes in attitudes, the rugby players both current and especially future may be saved, along with their families from a future that, in my experience, ends in a living death.

INFORMATIVE, HEARTBREAKING YET HOPEFUL

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Just a huge thank you for sharing humour story and your journey as well as your bravery in the face of the storm.
As a junior rugby coach of players who aspire to be professional rugby players, dealing with concussion is often difficult. Players think they’re indestructible and worry about losing their place in the team while parents often love vicariously through the success of their kids. Convincing them to take the proper rest after suspected concussion is often a battle but you’ve reaffirmed the commitment I have to keeping them safe now and as safe as possible in the future. Your story is definitely something I’ll recommend they read or listen to.
The story is raw and that Steve narrates himself when it could have been easier to get in a professional narrator adds the to the impact. The emotion is obvious in his voice and that helps convey the message. Well worth a listen.

Inspirational

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Powerful and heartfelt exploration of the lasting consequences that head trauma can have on athletes and their loved ones. Through raw and emotional storytelling, the book sheds light on the invisible struggles faced by those who endure traumatic brain injuries, highlighting not only the physical and mental toll but also the profound impact on families and relationships. It challenges the glorification of toughness in sports, raising important questions about safety, accountability, and the true cost of victory. Offering both sorrow and hope, this deeply moving account serves as a call to action for greater awareness, better protection, and ongoing support for those affected by sports-related injuries.

A must listen for parents and sporting leaders

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