Rhys Thomas

Rhys Thomas, former Welsh International Rugby Player , and Scarlets Rugby, Dragons Rugby, and Newport RFC player, who suffered a heart attack at the age of 29, was fitted with a pump that currently helps to run his heart (LVAD), lost his career, identity and didn't deal with his emotions and feelings at the time, leading to alcoholism and many dark places is our guest today. 

Rhys is now 24 months sober with a new found purpose, and back on the heart transplant list; he is now an Inspirational Speaker at The Sporting Chance Clinic, Mental Health Advocate, and Ambassador at #TheGlovesAreOn and TidyButt. Throughout this episode we discuss:

- Lack of support from National Governing Bodies
- No true understanding from NGB's 
- Lack of financial support having been forced into retirement
- Alcoholism and dark places
- Losing friends, and family
- Losing careers, and identities 
- Living with a failing hurt
- Maintaining a positive mindset
- Living in the presence = heaven
- Living in the past, and the future thoughts = hell
- Victim mentalities 
- Feeling isolated, and abandoned
- Off-field distractions 
- Financial = Mental = Physical 
- 12 steps of recovery
- Beginning the self-recovery journey 
- Rehabilitation being life changing 
- Make peace and amends
- Monitoring your thoughts

I hope you all love this this conversation as much as I did... 

Rhys - welcome to The Athlete Welfare Community!