Earlier in the day the Charity Oars had been to meet 1980’s and 1990’s England Wicket Keeper, Jack Russell.
We’d also arranged to meet Jason Gillespie @YCCCDizzy later on at the ground of Northampton CCC @NorthantsCCC … Sounds like something that should go without a hitch …..
Well, as we were on our way to the County Ground, we were informed that Sky Sports Cricket @skycricket would be there broadcasting the game and that it might prove “tricky” to get in, especially with an 8 foot oar….
“What should we do?” asked the very patient, supportive and dam gorgeous Ellisa; also my wife. You know the look that says; “you’re not going to be able to get the Charity Oar in, even drive in, let’s try and do this another time, we will get caught.” All in a look, a look that I love….!
So here’s what happened.
We arrive at the main gates, security everywhere; “Can I help you?” asked the security chap.
“No it’s OK, I’m Westers, here to meet Dizzy and Wakers.”
“Do you have any paperwork or identification?”
“No, but I have this…. (pointing to the 8 foot oar)”
“Oh, OK then, in you come, you know where to go?”
Eh voila we were in…..!
Then, we casually walked up to the players balcony, a “huge” security chap looked a tad bemused … Then, as if by magic (akin to Mr Ben) one of the Northants team walked by, “Westers…. How are you?” The tension was eased, at which point the amazingly supportive Catherine appeared….!!
So there we stood behind the Sky Sports Cricket team, keeping out of the way. Jason walked past, gave a well timed nod of recognition (to the Charity Oar, not me alas…!)
So there we were, for the game, right behind the broadcasters, the teams, a great view, chatting away to players and broadcasters. It was all just a tad surreal, but soooooooo much fun.
Whilst there we got chatting with Holly, the floor manager, and were able to meet and chat with Michael Atherton @Athersmike , Nasser Hussain @nassercricket and Rob Key @robkey612 they all very kindly signed the Charity Oars.
Sadly, Yorkshire won the game (I’m a Northampton CCC chap) anyway, the person we were there to meet, Australian pace bowler and tormentor of many an Ashes team was now heading our way.
Having represented Australia at Test and ODI from the late 1990’s up until 2005, and with best Test figures of 7 for 37, and ODI figures of 5 for 22, it’s fair to say he had some talent….!
It was genuinely nice chatting with Jason after the game. He had an understanding of DVT’s and spoke openly about a friend who had suffered a Thrombosis, luckily the DVT was discovered at an early stage.
Awareness of the signs of a DVT is crucial:
- Unexplained pain can be the only symptom
- Swelling, including the ankle and foot
- Redness or noticeable discoloration
- Warmth
So from a rather dodgy, broken, with a tendency to bowl down the legside cricketer and the Charity Oars, a huge thank you to Jason for taking the time to sign the Charity Oars and for helping Thrombosis UK to continue their vital work.
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