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AN INSPIRATIONAL six-yearold joined three generations of his family in a festival atmosphere at the Ricoh Arena as they celebrated the gift of life at Wasps’ season opener.
Zach Tomlinson-Serroukh threw a signed rugby ball and waved the team’s flag from the stands as he enjoyed the kind of occasion his parents once feared he’d never see.
Zach was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a life-threatening build up of fluid on the brain, at five months old and needed emergency surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
His family have since raised almost £12,000 for the hospital through fundraising including a family fun day, individual challenges and support from Allesley Village Cricket Club.
The Wasps fans were named Inspirational Family in our Coventry and Warwickshire Heroes awards in May and were hosted by the Premiership club on Saturday, where they enjoyed the wide array of match day entertainment and activities.
The Hearsall Primary School pupil was joined by eight-yearold sister Amber TomlinsonSerroukh, mum Faye Tomlinson and grandparents Bob and Carol Tomlinson, all from Coventry.
The occasion also marked an incredible turnaround for Bob, 73, who suffered a stroke one year ago to the day while on holiday in Menorca.
Faye, 40, from Earlsdon, said: “To sit with Zach, Amber and my grandparents in the sun and watch the Wasps smash the opposition is just overwhelming. The atmosphere was electrifying and the staff were brilliant and really helpful wherever we went in the ground.
“The whole experience was just phenomenal.”
The family were greeted with Mexican songs and pounding drums from roving musicians outside the ground.
Bob said: “It was quite a poignant day one year on from my stroke and to spend it with my family was just amazing.
“The atmosphere was incredible. Rugby is an entertaining game to watch because it’s fast and aggressive but it’s also welcoming for families with clean language in the stands and around the ground. It was a perfect September afternoon.”
The family looked around the club’s amply-stocked shop and the Fan Village, where children can try sports including rugby, netball, football and hockey.
The giant indoor entertainment zone also includes big screens, bars, food stands and live music.
There was just time to grab burgers and hot dogs before the game.
Carol, 70, said: “There is a real festival feeling at the stadium with the sense of anticipation you get before a show at the theatre. It has amazing architecture and design making it welcoming and accessible to families and people with disabilities.
“It was a wonderful day out for us but especially for Zach because at one point we didn’t think he would be able to walk and talk.
“He didn’t talk until he was about three, but he was able to move about the stadium, try things out and enjoy himself.
“He is a miracle, thanks to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”
The family sat in the directors’ box as Wasps opened their 150th anniversary season with a 50-35 win over the Sale Sharks, and were given a ruby ball signed by the players.
“The day was a big celebration for us thanks to the Wasps and it also made us feel so grateful to the NHS and everything they have done for us,” Bob said.
“They get a kicking but they have given us the gift of life we were able to enjoy at the match.
“We’re looking forward to many more days like this in the future.”