Patrick Foster is renowned for his career as a former professional cricketer, playing for Durham UCCE and Northamptonshire. Unfortunately, struggling with the transition from the world of sport into the real world, Patrick’s life was torn to shreds by a severe gambling addiction. Today, Patrick is the Director of GAM-Ed, and is on a mission to raise crucial awareness of gambling addiction. When hired as a keynote speaker, Patrick shares his hard-hitting lived experience of addiction, and educates his audiences on the impact addiction has on mental health. A versatile speaker suitable for both educational and corporate clients, Patrick has already shared his story with organisations such as HSBC and Eton College.
During his studies at Durham University, Patrick made his debut in first-class cricket playing for Durham UCCE. Making a total of nine first-class appearances, Patrick took an impressive 24 wickets. Upon his graduation, Patrick left the world of sport behind, entering the corporate world. Unfortunately, Patrick shortly developed a severe gambling addiction, which by 2018 had taken him to the verge of taking his own life. Seeking support for his addiction, Patrick was able to stop gambling, and is now on a mission to deliver education, prevention and awareness surrounding gambling addiction – including the impact it has on mental health and young people.
In addition to his work with GAM-Ed, Patrick is also an Ambassador for the Mintridge Foundation. He was also formerly the Director of Educational Programmes and Head of Education for EPIC Global Solutions. Patrick is also a published author of the book Might Bite: The Secret Life of a Gambling Addict, commended for being “Searingly honest” by the Daily Mail. Patrick is also sought to share his story in interviews, such as on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio UK and for LADbible Stories, in the episode My Gambling Addiction Ruined My Life.
Hired as a keynote speaker for a variety of educational and corporate events, Patrick Foster is a leading advocate for gambling addiction awareness and is sought to enhance understanding of gambling-related harm. Patrick’s sessions not only cover gambling, but they also cover the modern world of online gaming and how the lines have become increasingly blurred. Helping clients to recognise the signs of addiction, Patrick also covers topics such as employee mental health and wellbeing, self-care and being vulnerable. Providing an array of insightful and impactful facts on gambling, Patrick promotes the importance of being proactive around mental health. If you are looking for a speaker who has overcome adversity and expertly navigates the topics of addiction and mental health, hire Patrick Foster today.
Patrick Foster's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Lived Experience of Addiction & Mental Health
- Recovery Strategies & Healthy Vs Unhealthy Coping
- The Impact of Addiction on Individual Performance, Teams & Organisational Culture
- Organisational Impact of Addiction - Financial Wellbeing & Risk
- Early Signs of Addiction to Recognise in Yourself & Others - Guidance on Response & Support
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Thank you for your time yesterday. I have received some really positive feedback today from your session yesterday, and we have today sent out the recording of the session to the whole company along with all the information you sent over yesterday. That was a moving and inspiring story, as you have clearly turned your life around, and it touched a lot of our staff. Yesterday was one of our highest numbers of attendees for our lunch and learns, which is fantastic. It clearly shows the importance of your message, and I am delighted you got it across to such a wide audience." - Chief of Staff, Apollo Underwriting
"Our daughter was absolutely blown away by his honesty and said that you could hear a pin drop during the talk and everyone was incredibly impressed and full of admiration for him. Such a sobering subject that they all walked out and talked about it for hours afterwards and felt they had learnt so much." - Parent of Pupil, Oundle School
"Patrick Foster’s story is compelling and important. He holds every audience – whether younger pupils, sixth formers or parents – spellbound with the power of the message he conveys. Gambling addiction, and indeed all forms of addiction, are a very real risk for the pupils in our care. I think that we have made great strides in forewarning them and giving them protective factors through hearing his message. Top-notch INSET and PSHE, and a charming person to meet and have around the school for a day." - Headmaster, Eastbourne College
"The personal story had a huge impact on all pupils and staff who listened to him, and this topic needs to be at the forefront of all PHSE programmes." - Chris, Headmaster, Felstead School
- 2024 - Director of Year 9 Admissions at Repton School
- 2023 - Director of GAM-Ed
- 2022 - Interviewed by LADbible Stories - "My Gambling Addiction Ruined My Life"
- 2022 - Author of "Might Bite: The Secret Life of a Gambling Addict"
- 2020 - Director of Educational Programmes for EPIC Risk Management
- 2018 - Head of Education for EPIC Risk Management
- 2013 - Cricketer for Oxfordshire
- 2007 - Cricketer for Durham UCCE, making nine first-class appearances
How to hire Patrick Foster
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Patrick Foster for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
