My story’s a bit of a mad one – hence Beyond The Setback. I’ll try keep it fairly short.

Growing up, all I wanted was to be a footballer. I was playing at a decent level too – won the East Berks Division 1, trialling for Berks & Bucks County and Wycombe. Things were moving in the right direction… until I tore my ACL at 15. Out for 9–10 months. At that age, I didn’t fully understand it, I just knew football was taken away from me.

I came back the next season, signed for Binfield Allied, but something never felt quite right. My hamstrings were constantly going, and looking back now, I was never really fit. Still, I pushed through… until I tore the same ACL again. Three days before a cup final. That one really hit me.

That’s when my focus shifted. Football as a career was done, so I turned to acting – my other passion. I got into East 15, which was massive for me. But even then, it didn’t get any easier. I tore my cartilage on a trip to Zante, yeaaaaah that ones on me. Either way minor surgery and on to Drama school.

I made it through first year with no major issues, went home for summer, had a casual kickabout with mates… and yeah, tore my ACL again. Third time. That one sent me into a bit of a spiral if I’m honest. After conversations with my surgeon, I made the call to stop playing football altogether. 21 years of love for the game, gone.

I carried on with drama school – knee braces, pain, swelling, pushing my body as far as it would go. Somehow, I made it to my final third-year show. And then, during the first performance… I did my other ACL. Fourth rupture. Different knee this time, just to mix it up.

By that point, I thought I knew the drill – surgery, rehab, crack on. But life had other plans. I turned up for surgery, all ready to go, and my surgeon walked in not dressed for it. That’s never a good sign. After a few tests and a trip to hospital, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Surgery delayed, sent home with insulin, needles, and a lot to figure out.

Strangely, that moment became a bit of a turning point.

Fast forward to now – I’m 29 and 6 surgeries later, I’ve got two (somewhat) working knees, my diabetes is under control, and I’m living with my amazing girlfriend and our cat. There’s a lot to look forward to.

Looking back, I don’t think I realised how alone I felt going through all of that. I didn’t have the right support or resources around me. That’s why I created Beyond The Setback.

It’s not just a podcast or a show – it’s about building a community. A space where people feel seen, heard, and can find support when they need it most.

If you made it this far – I appreciate you.

Steve