Former Glamorgan and England cricketer Steve James has opened up on how his family’s life changed forever after the devastating death of his daughter Bethan, aged just 21.
Bethan passed away suddenly in February 2020. It has had a profound impact on James, his wife Jane and their son Rhys, who have all undergone counselling.
James, who works as a sports journalist, was away covering Wales’ Six Nations rugby match in Ireland when his daughter was taken seriously ill. His journey back was delayed by poor weather and she died before he got home.
“During the Saturday, Bethan just deteriorated and deteriorated. I got back to Heathrow Airport and Jane was then telling me that Bethan had got sepsis,” he said.
“I’m driving back along the M4 and then eventually I get a call from Jane saying Bethan’s gone and a nurse comes on to tell me to pull over because I’m obviously in no state [to drive].
“So, I pull over, I’m sick on the side of the road and I wish I’d been here. When I left, I didn’t actually go up and see Bethan, I shouted to her and said ‘goodbye’ from downstairs. The next time I see her she’s lying dead in a hospital. That’s something that’s going to stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Bethan had battled illness before, having undergone a bowel operation at a young age and being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in the year before her death.
Former opening batsman James, who played two Tests for England in 1998, has discussed the impact the tragedy has had on his family, for the first time, in an emotional film on Sky Sports which has been produced by the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.
He says the Trust was his and his family’s salvation in getting the help they needed to get through such an awful time, while also praising the 2 Wish Upon A Star charity which provided immediate support.
“Jane and Rhys have all had the same amount of counselling sessions that I’ve had and we’ve had quite a few family counselling sessions as well. Jane and Rhys are enormously grateful for that help they have got,” said the 54-year-old.
“It has just come about because I happened to play cricket and there’s a Professional Cricketers’ Trust there who can help me and my family as well. We are really indebted to them for the help they’ve given us.
“The counselling is the main thing, but they’ve helped me with other things along the way, so it’s so reassuring for players, past and present, that they know they’ve got the Trust there to help them.”
He added: “I do not think you realise when you do donate to the Professional Cricketers’ Trust how much help you are doing and how much people appreciate that. Bethan made me, Jane, and Rhys immensely proud. We’ll never forget her, and we just love her so much.”
James has designed and built a corner of his garden in Bethan’s memory and channelled his energy into fundraising and raising awareness of Crohn’s disease.
- The Professional Cricketers’ Trust provides support to past and present cricketers in England and Wales and their immediate families when in desperate need. To find out more about the Trust, visit professionalcricketerstrust.org
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