Former England footballer Terry Butcher broke down in tears during a live interview on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday, as he remembered his late son Christopher. The 67-year-old appeared alongside hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid to promote his ITV4 documentary Invisible Wounds, but became emotional when a photograph of his son appeared on screen.
Christopher Butcher, a former British Army captain, died at the age of 35 after battling severe post-traumatic stress disorder following his discharge in 2017. An inquest ruled his death was caused by an abnormal enlargement of the heart combined with the effects of drugs, against a background of PTSD. The coroner said he 'became a victim of war' after tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Speaking about his son, Terry said: 'We suffered acutely, and I didn't want to talk about Chris. I find it cathartic, a little bit, talking about him now. When I see him on the screen now, I have a big lump in my throat and I've got to get over it. I'm still not out of it, you'll never be out of it.'
The interview became more emotional when Susanna Reid noticed Terry's tie and asked about it. He explained it was a Royal Artillery tie, presented to him at a coffee shop near the army headquarters where Christopher was taught. 'Excuse me, I'm a bit emotional,' he said. 'I was presented with the tie and I wear that as much as I can. Thanks for making me cry.'
Terry, who also has sons Edward and Alistair with his wife Rita, has previously spoken about his struggle to show emotions. He said: 'I was feted as this so-called hard man. You just didn't cry. But I think you have to. I think it's compulsory. It's part of the process.' He now works closely with Combat2Coffee, a veterans' charity that provides mental health support, which he says has given him a new mission.
