Workington Town coach Chris Thorman has restored one man’s faith in humanity after responding to his cry for help.

Rugby league photographer Simon Hall reached out on Twitter after struggling with his mental health – and he was both surprised and delighted when a response came from Mr Thorman, a man he already admired.

Mr Hall said the Town boss had gone over and above to help him.

“Chris is a really down to earth honest bloke. He contacted me not out of a sense of boosting his ego, but a sense of helping a fellow human in distress,” said Mr Hall.

An unassuming Mr Thorman said he had spotted the tweet where Mr Hall questioned if anyone would miss him and just wanted to help. He responded by offering to meet him for coffee and said there were always people around who cared.

“I just replied instinctively and asked him to meet for coffee and he took me up on it,” said Mr Thorman.

“We spent 90 minutes chatting about life and I just listened and gave him some pointers on how he might change direction.

“I didn’t do it for a pat on the back I just wanted to help him.

“I think he was just surprised and shocked that it was me who answered him, in my line of work. He said he was a fan and he had followed my career.

“I just said about talking and communicating and not dwelling on things. I brought up things from my own personal experience, which is all you can do. It helps to talk and it is often easier with a stranger than a close friend or family.

"I just wanted to help and I am really pleased that he is back on track and heading in the right direction.”

Mr Hall said the meeting had helped him immensely and he has had a positive reaction after asking for help.

He added: “When I put it out, my aim was to get a couple of responses from people who could point me in the right direction , and maybe get one other bloke to open up.

“When Chris responded, I was somewhat taken aback, as a rugby league fan he’s a man who I have enjoyed watching play rugby. But for him to speak up like he did was amazing.

"He has gone way above what any one else (excluding family) in my life has done.

"The knock on effect has been that I’ve been contacted by other pro rugby players that I have only ever got to see in my role as a photographer, offering help and just kind words of support.

“I have had total strangers from all over contact me and thank me for speaking up and that they can now address their issues.

“The rugby league family extends beyond standing together on the terraces cheering on your heroes. It now extends to people having each other’s backs.

"It’s restored my faith in humanity and also in social media.”