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Former England Rugby Union player, Tom Johnson has a past that him kept hidden for a long time. Even his Exeter Chiefs team mates were unaware of the scar from his childhood.

The flanker went to boarding school and during his time was severely bullied. The bullying was both physical and mental, leaving scars throughout his adulthood and rugby career.

Tom Johnson played for Exeter Chiefs for ten seasons, helping them gain promotion out of the championship . He played 181 times for the Premiership club scoring 135 points. His all action style of play earnt him a call up to play for England and was the first Exeter Chief to do so since in almost 50 years. He represented England 8 times in what was a position of real strength for England.

On retiring from professional rugby, Tom started to work as a Health and Wellbeing coach. Supporting his clients both with their physical activity as well as other aspect of their lives such as sleep and nutrition.

During his school years at Dean Close in Cheltenham he spent some of his toughest years. In this episode we will touch on how this has impacted him in school, during his rugby career and life post rugby.

He tells how he has now started to come to terms with being bullied allowing him to look forward and not backwards. This has allowed Tom to speak publicly about his mental health and the importance of communication.

Tom is the founder of Plus which is a wellbeing company focused on supporting teachers to deliver health & wellbeing in schools. He wants to use his experience to help children learn to communicate. These communication skills are vital when gaining support if you are being bullied or know someone who is being bullied.

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Overcoming Adversity is a podcast produced by Scott Whitney and All4Inclusion CIC. The mission of All 4 Inclusion is to reduce loneliness in the disabled community.

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