OCTOBER 23rd, 2021
After 19 long pandemic months, it felt important to restart this journey in a respectful way . Together with my friends of forty years Simon (nurse) Tracy Seal ( SEN worker ) and my big Scottish cousin Jim Hill (young adults support worker) we headed to York to play a game in tribute to those who have provided essential care and love to vulnerable people throughout this crisis . York seemed the perfect place to mark this , as it was the first place in England (C900AD) to bestow charity on its citizens through the provision of almshouses, helping to care for and feed the elderly, sick and poor. Our nation's continued belief in the values of caring and giving have been strong and heartwarming during the last couple of years. Today’s game was a thankyou to all the people who have selflessly risked their lives and sanity to help others through these challenging times.
After being moved on by the police in front of York Minster, we started a game in Dean’s Park at the side of the cathedral. Prince Atubrah from Ghana and Jim Kamarudin from Malaysia joined us . They are both studying for MSc’s in Structural Geology with GeoPhysics at Leeds University. Marcus, a logistics expert from London also joined us , with his little daughter Emmy.
Cousin Jim, Tracy and Simon took on the rest , and it was Tracy who shot her team into the lead with a carefully placed strike - goal-hanger. The game was poised at 6-5 to us when we swapped ends .
Cousin Jim was putting in a great shift , and a few rugby tackles too. Little Emmy scored a penalty to bring it back to 6-6 and Tracy went on to score a brilliant hat trick, but ultimately her efforts were in vain. With the game on a knife edge at 9-9 ( first to 10) Prince Atubrah jigged inside and slotted home , leaving Simon eating the grass. 10~9 and a brilliant game with brilliant people . Unity is strength Thanks to Rachel and Joanna for making the THANKYOU sign. One love