Cricket gives Honor new lease of life

October 27, 2026

GETTING involved in cricket has given Honor Balaam a new lease of life.

The 26-year-old from Bury St Edmunds suffers from Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a chronic but rare illness.

It is a condition in which the brain’s normal structure is intact, but its signaling and network functioning are disrupted.

The symptons of FND and side-effects are different for each person, but it causes real neurological symptoms such as seizures, weakness, movement problems, or sensory changes.

In Honor’s case, FND has caused her to suffer overwhelming anxiety since her teenage years.

Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day were both earlier this month, and Honor has opened up about the impact cricket has had on her life.

Honor (pictured above) said: “I first started suffering from panic attacks around the age of 15 when I started to experience the pressures of school and GCSEs.

“At this age, I was convinced everyone felt the same and these attacks were normal. It was only after three years of keeping this to myself that I eventually sought guidance.

“At 18, I was diagnosed with Mixed Depressive Anxiety Disorder and discovered multiple treatment options that would help me cope. With mental illness there are always ups and downs and, in my case, I was facing my biggest down last year.

“I experience really bad migraines and dizziness. Some days I am so tired suffering from vertigo or feeling nauseous I can’t get out of bed.”

Her mum, Lisa, is captain of the Bury St Edmunds Women’s Softball Cricket team, which is coached by Honor’s partner, 1st XI all-rounder Ben Whittaker.

Honor said: “Cricket has given me another hobby and a purpose on a day when I may be feeling terrible.

“During the summer it gives me a schedule, even if I am not well enough to train or play, I can still go along and get involved by scoring, umpiring or just watching.

“Cricket gives me the encouragement to leave the house, even if I am feeling pretty rough, for a catch-up with the team and to have a drink after they have been training or playing.

“It is amazing as I now have a group of lifelong friends who are able to support me – cricket has given me a whole new community of people to support me.”

Mum Lisa said: “Whether you’re a mother or a team manager, watching anyone suffer with any debilitating condition is heartbreaking.

“Within cricket it is essential to provide an environment where people do not feel judged.

“Inclusivity is first and foremost, not the win, allowing individuals to bloom and grow with the support of both their team and club.

“Friendships have grown on laughter and love, which is what makes us a great cricket team.”

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