Gary Speed's parents: 'end the stigma of depression'

The family of former Newcastle United player Gary Speed have been in Durham today (June 1) meeting up with famous sports heroes from across the region for a memorial golf match in his name.

Gary died in 2011. His family said they believe he was battling depression at the time he died, and want to encourage more people to talk openly about the illness.

He was a Tyneside hero having scored more than 40 goals for Newcastle.

He was described by Sir Bobby Robson as one of football's finest role models.

Gary Speed was found hanged at his home in November 2011. His mother and father, Carol and Roger Speed, say they believe he was suffering from depression, but that he felt he couldn't talk about it - even with them.

Gary Speed's family have turned this need for awareness of depression into an annual event.

This is the third time a golf match has been held in his memory to raise money for charity.