'John Marquis saved my life' - Former Doncaster Rovers striker hailed after reaching out to fan who attempted to take his own life

George Carnell last week attempted to take his own life and posted a suicide note on social media.

When he regained consciousness, he was told that Marquis wanted to talk to him. Once George was fit and well, the two spoke at length on the phone.

The striker - who scored 66 goals in three seasons at Rovers - said he would always be available to speak any time George was feeling low.

“When I was in the hospital bed they gave me my phone and I had seen that John Marquis - and I will respect the bloke for the rest of my life - he’d reached out on social media and wanted to get in touch with someone,” George said.

“It’s not only because he’s got a big audience and he’s a professional footballer for Pompey, it’s also because he’s a caring person.

“He got in touch with my mum and then he got in touch with me.

“When I got released the next day he messaged me and asked for my number and phoned me up and had a chat.

“He insisted to me that when this is all over the first thing he wants to do is meet me for a beer or a coffee.

“Not as a footballer to a fan but a person to a person.

“It really touched me and it made me realise that life is too short and we’re only here once.

“You’ve got to make the most of it.”

He added: “John Marquis saved my life.”

Marquis - who supported mental health charities during his time with Rovers - posted on Twitter, encouraging anyone feeling low to speak to someone.

He wrote: “A problem shared is a problem halved and no matter your situations it’s always better to talk and be open about your feelings

“From being at such a low point to opening up publicly is a massive step.

“There is no end goal but daily making improvements will help you long term to be in a better place.”

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