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Unforgettable cover art

Unforgettable

By: Steve Thompson
Narrated by: Steve Thompson, Ben Cohen, Sir Clive Woodward, Colin Mace, Sir Ian McGeechan, Lewis Moody, Maria Armstrong, Paul Grayson, Andy Robinson
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Summary

**Winner of the Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year Award 2023**

**Winner of the Rugby Book of the Year Award 2023**

**Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2022**

RUGBY, DEMENTIA AND THE FIGHT OF MY LIFE

In 2003, England won the Rugby World Cup. Steve Thompson was in England's front row, at the heart of the match, and at the heart of the scrum - one of sport's most violent battlegrounds.

But triumph came at a cost. Today, he remembers nothing about playing in that final. In his words, watching the tape back is like watching a ghost.

The years of hurt, and the culture of sucking up punishment and coming back for more, have taken a terrible toll. Steve has been diagnosed with early onset dementia, and serious progressive brain damage. Steve and his wife Steph had a happy family life planned, with decades ahead of them. Now he needs to capture these elusive memories for the sake of his children, before they disappear forever.

With stories contributed by his world-cup winning teammates and his former manager, Sir Clive Woodward, Unforgettable is raw, powerful storytelling. This tale of hope and courage stands as testament to the ultimate strength of the human mind - and to a man no longer pushing himself to the limit for competition, but for his own place in the world.

©2022 Steve Thompson (P)2022 Bonnier Books UK

Critic reviews

"As brave as they come." (Gareth Thomas)

"So powerful. This book might just change the way you think about sports forever." (Sir Clive Woodward)

What listeners say about Unforgettable

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Very informative and hard hitting

Book was okay, the story i found fascinating and also heartbreaking. Steve narrating the book himself really adds a bit of oomph to it too, you can tell he is a down to eart joe soap that made it to the big time with rugby done anything any boy dreams of to have them now memories within other peoples heads and him having to start each day a new, struggling with simple tasks of daughters names and everyday chores. Good easy read but one where i wasn’t hooked i kept having to take a break and come back.

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Honesty and openness

I was caught by the depth of detail, the research and the honest telling of his incredible journey. I admire the courage to fly in the face of administrators and profiteers within his sport. His commitment to changes that would be far reaching but safe. Is laudable. Good wishes for your future!

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Fascinating and Heartbreaking

An amazing story. Hopefully the powers that be in sports and beyond will listen. Thank you for sharing it Steve.

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Tough to listen to and that’s the point

Steve Thompson’s words leave you with the no doubt the regret, frustration and worries that he now carries with him on a daily basis due to his diagnosis. Very thought provoking story that tells you there is much more to this man than just a well-rounded athlete. Well worth a listen.

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Inspirational

Just a huge thank you for sharing humour story and your journey as well as your bravery in the face of the storm.
As a junior rugby coach of players who aspire to be professional rugby players, dealing with concussion is often difficult. Players think they’re indestructible and worry about losing their place in the team while parents often love vicariously through the success of their kids. Convincing them to take the proper rest after suspected concussion is often a battle but you’ve reaffirmed the commitment I have to keeping them safe now and as safe as possible in the future. Your story is definitely something I’ll recommend they read or listen to.
The story is raw and that Steve narrates himself when it could have been easier to get in a professional narrator adds the to the impact. The emotion is obvious in his voice and that helps convey the message. Well worth a listen.

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Just Brilliant

I wish I could meet this legend and tell him how I feel about him. All good!! Brilliant Steve!!!!!

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A must listen- honest and inciteful

Don't mind admitting some parts are a tough listen but also essential. Inspirational and yet heartbreaking.

Hearing Steve narrate his own story really brought up home.

essential for any rugby fan and sports fans in general.

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Truly Unforgettable

This man is a legend of a ugly player & now likewise for writing this book.
It is thought provoking & sad but also very informative about the condition.
Highly recommend to everyone.

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Heart broken and eyes wide open

I really am struggling to find the words to describe how this book made me feel.

it truly broke my heart and continues to break it for the lack of support and future ex current and future players of not only rugby but any sport that includes contact.

How are we so far advanced medically scientifically, and yet we are ignorning the glaringly obvious problem when it is being highlighted by so many.

I will be forever thankful for people like Steve, his family, and countless others that are continuing to highlight Dementia after seeing the effects firsthand through family. But atleast i can take peace from the fact that they were older it was more expected it wasnt down to them playing a sport they loved and being let down and neglected by the very governing bodies and structure that are there to protect them. All for what... ratings, publicity, and a fatter purse??

Accountability needs to be taken and measures put in place to help existing and future players stay safe and never be in the same position Steve and his family and many others find themselves in.

I loved the raw harsh honesty of the book and the accounts of others to add to the story, truly shows the impact you had on them too.

The book has truly opened my eyes to the ongoing issues that sports men and woman face not only on a day to day basis but long after the final ball is played too.

I will continue to follow the story and share my love for the book, hoping to raise further awareness.

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Thé book truly is unforgettable

Thought provoking and also makes you want to do something to raise the profile of cte and how contact sports can adapt to lesson the risks

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