TWENTY YEARS after the death of beloved Swindon Town physio Kevin Morris, his daughter has urged men to open up about depression.

In the wake of high-profile names in sport and television, including Gary Speed and Robin Williams, taking their own lives, Sarah Wilsdon has spoken candidly about her own battle with the illness.

And 20 years to the day after Kevin passed away, his life will be celebrated to raise awareness at a special fundraising event for The Samaritans during Town’s home match against Preston North End on October 11.

Old friends and former players will be attending a charity dinner and form a presentation at half-time, including Kenny Stroud, John Trollope, Don Rogers, Andy Rowland, Fraser Digby and Dave Head, son of late former manager Bert Head. Phil King will be on hand to compere the event.

“I am asking everyone who remembers Kevin to come and support his beloved club at this match,” said Sarah.

“He loved life, was full of life, and a very jovial guy. He knew absolutely everybody. He lived for Swindon and was there for 36 years altogether.

“One of the things he said was that psychology played a big part in the healing process for him. He said that if your mind was right upstairs you could get it right elsewhere.

“He struggled to come to terms with my mother’s illness, and found that very hard, but we overcame it together as a family. Unfortunately she passed away not long after him.”

Former colleagues held Kevin in very high regard.

“One of the people he was very close to was Lou Macari, who used to call him ‘the Brigadier’,” said Sarah.

“Glenn Hoddle said that everyone who knew him loved him and looked forward to spending time with him. He was a real one-off character. Not only was he a great person to be around but a great physio.”

Hayley Tarrant, community fundraiser for the Samaritans, with the help of Sian Griffiths and Adam Wainwright of STFC, will have a team on hand during the game to make collections.

She said: “Depression is a very taboo subject which is why we are extremely grateful for this opportunity. This pushes it out there a bit more and lets people know that there are people at the end of the phone they can call any time of the day.”

The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90 to provide confidential emotional support.