HULL FC player Brett Seymour has described battling depression as the "hardest challenge of my life" as he prepares for treatment at a top rehabilitation centre.
On a Facebook page named "Brett Seymour get well soon", the sporting star addressed his fans for the first time.
In a message on Friday, he wrote: "This is Brett here guys, I have been wanting to personally write something to thank you all for your well wishes and support.
"Every one of you has given me inspiration to get better as soon as possible.
"This has been the hardest challenge of my life but I am determined to beat this.
"I am heading into Sporting Chance to get the help I need. Thanks again to you all."
Last month, Mr Seymour's wife Roseanne revealed he was suffering from depression.
She posted a message explaining her husband's condition on Facebook after he crashed his BMW in Hessle.
Mr Seymour's family have been overwhelmed by hundreds of posts on the site and fans have been chanting his name at matches.
His personal message has already had hundreds of 'likes' and more than 80 comments have been posted in response.
One fan wrote: "Good luck Brett, don't rush yourself, we want you back but we want you back well.
"We're all going in there with you, you're not on your own. Lots of love to you and your family."
Another fan posted: "Brett take your time getting well, there is far more to life than rugby, your personal health is all that matters.
"Of course we, the fans, want to see you back playing for us as soon as possible.
"However, we only want you back when the time is right for you and your family.
"We want you healthy and strong in both mind and body.
"So take your time, get well, and come back stronger and fitter.
"I can't wait to see you put on the famous black and white strip and play again."
The player was placed on leave by Hull FC after he smashed into two park cars and overturned his BMW in Itlings Lane.
Mr Seymour will spend 21 days at Sporting Chance in Hampshire this month – the same clinic that treated Hull City's Dean Windass for his depression.
Mrs Seymour said: "To all the people on here who have shared your own stories of depression, I want you to know that by sharing, you have helped Brett so much.
"He sat and read each story and was truly overwhelmed. You have given him strength and me.
"All I want is my husband to be healthy for our beautiful daughter Monroe."
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash and say nobody has been charged.
Many fans on Facebook described Seymour's recovery as a "long road" but said they are behind him "100 per cent."
Another user posted: "Great to get an update from you Brett, head off to Sporting Chance knowing you're not alone, you have the love and support of the RL 'family' with you, take care."
