My name is Lewis Rollins and I’m a serving Metropolitan Police Officer

From the early stages of my adult life, I struggled heavily with a gambling addiction, to the point where I couldn’t stop even when I knew it was taking more than just money away from me.

What started off as a 'weekend hobby' betting on the Saturday football with my mates, then saw me betting on midweek football games as well and before I knew it I was gambling on U20's Lithuanian Volleyball in the early hours of the morning. I was gambling every single day, winning life changing money that the bookies would ultimately win back from me.

The progression of this addiction was rapid. I was gambling with unthinkably huge stakes, going on long nights out drinking and gambling in London until the early hours of the morning. This behaviour began affecting not just me but my family, my friends, my career and my relationship. I had a wonderful girlfriend during the midst of my addiction and during what was quite possibly the worst period of my life, she never once gave up on me, supporting me through a lot of horrible times.

My mum and dad deserve a huge shoutout for being the most loving and supportive parents I could ever hope for. They played a big part in this journey. I hope I can continue to make them proud each day now moving forward.

As a matter of fact, the very nature of addiction means that for a lot of people when the fun stops, they can’t stop. Yet, little seems to be implemented by the gambling industry to help them stop.

- The gambling industry spends approximately £1.5 billion each year on advertising.

- Gambling has the highest suicide rate of any addiction.

- 55,000 11-16 year old children are already addicted to gambling in the UK.

- Last year it was estimated that approximately £10 billion was spent on gambling.

—It is estimated that approximately 5% of compulsive gamblers seek help from a gambling program or gambling rehabilitation. This means that 95% of problem gamblers have their lives ruined by debt and depression...

It is now both my passion and duty as a Police Officer to help others, who may be in a similar position to where I once was. There are many people who will be able to relate to this, the majority of whom suffer in silence due to the nature of this invisible addiction. My own experiences and position as a Police Officer allow me to raise awareness and help these individuals.

In aid of raising both awareness and money for a gambling harm related charity, I will be supporting GAMBLING HARM UK, who specialise in delivering education programmes to schools and education regarding Gambling Addiction. GH UK also look to raise the profile of gambling harm to healthcare organisations, and undertake research aimed at highlighting the need for change to be be made to reduce the risk of gambling harm i.e the mass amount of gambling advert whilst watching sports.

I’ve founded a Charity Football Club (CHARING CROSS F.C ) built up of Police Officers based at my Charing Cross Police Station. Our goal as a club is to continue to break down barriers in regards to the stigma around Gambling Addiction, whilst also building a stronger relationship with the public and helping those less fortunate, who are the most in need.

The club will be play against multiple different charity football clubs as well as other Police force teams, with the support of different football clubs allowing us to use their stadium.

For too long during the worst time in my addiction, I was selfish, unkind and careless. I therefore want to help others, I want to do what I can for those that can’t...

I will ensure that I am in support of multiple different charities across different matches and tournaments that the club feature in.

I've learnt that it's never too late to change and I hope I can help to normalise reaching out for help when struggling. My past doesn't have to affect my future.

For more information and to stay updated...

Follow us on Instagram - @CharingCrossFC

Charing Cross F.C's first match will be on the 18th June 2023 vs Forever Finley C.T, an amazing football club raising money for bereaved families in memory of Finley William Smith. @forever_finleyct

Hosted by Billeracy Town FC at the AGP ARENA, Blunts Wall Rd, Billericay, CM12 9SA, ESSEX.

Alongside raising money through matches with my football club, I will be running in ASICS LONDON 10K, LONDON BIG HALF Marathon & The GREAT SOUTH RUN later this year.