Rugby legend Jamie Peacock has shared how the anthem Abide With Me and the earthy smell of Aramis aftershave bring back fond memories of his late father. The hymn, which is sung before many sporting events, including the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final, holds a special place in Peacock’s heart as it reminds him of attending the finals with his dad as a child. Despite the tinge of sadness, these sensory triggers evoke positive memories of his father, Darryl, who passed away from lung cancer in 2013.
Peacock, known for his remarkable career in rugby, is supporting the Sue Ryder bereavement charity’s Sense of Grief campaign. This campaign aims to highlight the profound impact our senses have on the grieving process, with 91% of people reporting that sensory triggers remind them of someone they’ve lost.
Reflecting on his father’s fondness for Aramis aftershave, Peacock shared that the earthy scent instantly takes him back to the Seventies and Eighties when his dad would wear it. Despite not being a fan of the smell himself, Peacock cherishes the memories it brings. He emphasized the powerful connection between our senses and memories, noting that they can transport us back to specific environments more effectively than our eyesight.
Peacock’s father received exceptional palliative care at the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds before his passing. Grateful for the support his father received, Peacock has since been actively involved in raising funds for the hospice and serves as an ambassador for the organization.
Opening up about his experience with grief, Peacock acknowledged the challenges he faced while still playing rugby at the time of his father’s passing. He emphasized the importance of remembering the positive moments and the impact his father had on his life. While acknowledging that time is a healer, Peacock highlighted that the sadness of losing a loved one never truly fades.
Following his retirement from rugby, Peacock has transitioned into a successful career as a motivational speaker, focusing on wellbeing. He stressed the significance of maintaining a strong foundation of wellbeing, including a positive mindset, healthy eating, and physical activity, to effectively deal with stress and challenges.
When asked if he practices what he preaches, Peacock affirmed his commitment to regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a positive mindset. He emphasized the importance of leading by example and highlighted the joy he finds in exercise, especially now that it’s not tied to professional obligations.
While Peacock no longer plays rugby, his eldest son Lewis has followed in his footsteps and signed a professional contract with Leeds Rhinos, his father’s former club. Proud of his son’s journey in rugby, Peacock expressed that the sport will always hold a special place in his life, albeit in a different capacity.
As a celebrity ambassador for Sue Ryder, Peacock is actively supporting the charity’s Sense of Grief campaign, aiming to raise awareness of the impact of our senses on the grieving process.