Jeff Stelling shares heartfelt message after tearful speech on eating disorders

21 May 2023 , 11:31

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Jeff Stelling was emotional while delivering his speech (Image: Sky Sports)

Jeff Stelling has encouraged people battling against eating disorders to “never give up” after giving an impassioned speech on the subject live on Soccer Saturday.

Stelling went viral on Saturday for delivering a heartfelt and emotional message during his penultimate appearance on the Sky Sports programme. The 68-year-old presenter, who is stepping down from the role at the end of the season, used his platform to highlight the issue.

An emotional Stelling said: “This is a difficult topic, it’s my second last show so I’m going to have my final sort of rant if you like. I’ve got to be careful to get it right.

“There was a march this morning, this relates to [anorexia sufferer] Abby Davies actually. There was a march this morning in central London by the people who run the ‘Dump The Scales’ campaign. It’s led by the indefatigable Hope Virgo every year.

“More people die from eating disorders every year than any other mental illness. The Government’s lack of awareness and funding is a national disgrace. They decided to put calories for goodness sake on people’s menus.

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“Up to 20 per cent of all eating disorder cases end in death and the cycle goes like that. Abby said: ‘Boy, girl, woman, man, goes for help, they are told they are not thin enough, they are not underweight enough to need treatment’.

Jeff Stelling is campaigning for better support for people with eating disorders (Sky Sports)

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"They go away, they lose more weight, they go further and deeper into the mental morass that they’re in. They have suicidal tendencies. They are then told ‘You are now too thin to be treated’ and are offered palliative care for god’s sake. So we’re not going to help you but we will try and ensure you die comfortably. It’s 2023.

“Eating disorders are being swept under the carpet. No one should be dying of an eating disorder in 2023. Those with eating disorders need action and help and they need it now.”

Replying to the clip of Stelling’s speech, Harry Ness wrote: “Great to see @JeffStelling raising awareness for an extremely important issue that very rarely is given any attention. Proud to support the #DumpTheScales campaign and the work of @HopeVirgo for a better alternative to BMI."

Andy Burnham was among those to pay tribute to Jeff Stelling (Vincent Cole - Manchester Evening News)

Another Twitter user, Emma Carter, replied: “Thanks Harry for your support, I am a Mum who is battling to save her daughter from this illness.” Stelling replied: “Good luck Emma. Never give up on her”

Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, wrote: “If Jeff ever decides to run for PM, I’ll happily offer my services as his campaign manager. We’ll miss you, lad. Massive shift.” Stelling replied: “Appreciate that Andy. We needed you as Labour leader. Manchester's gain is our loss.”

Stelling will make his final appearance on Soccer Saturday next weekend when the Premier League reaches its finale on Sunday afternoon. He has presented the show for almost 30 years, but has been keen to point out he is not retiring.

Replying to a fan on Twitter, who said he was retiring, Stelling wrote: “Not retired Ben. Leaving Sky. Still a bit of life in the old boy yet !”

Felix Keith