Going into bat Cricketers take on challenge to help their team-mate Freddie
BUDDING cricketer Freddie Collinson thought his bad leg in the summer was just a sign of a muscle strain or growing pains - but it ended up being much, much worse.
The teenager was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in September and now he fears he could never run again as he undergoes a series of chemotherapy courses.
Next year, the 14-year-old from Gloucester hopes to have an operation to remove bone and tissue which will be replaced by a donor.
His mum Sarah Collinson said how much the diagnosis has affected him and his family.
Mrs Collinson said: “The news was every mother’s nightmare.
“He was initially being treated for a muscle strain.
“He is such a quietly spoken, kind and considerate boy and he often just stops and asks me questions about the future. He asked me if he would ever be able to run again.
“We are looking to the positives and reminding him of what could be in the future if he works hard at the physiotherapy side of things after the surgery.”
Now the talented fast bowler is undergoing gruelling courses of intensive chemotherapy at Bristol Children’s hospital.
Freddie will hopefully have surgery at the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital in Stanmore to remove the cancer from the bone in his leg in February.
Bone and affected muscle tissue will be removed and a donor tibia will replace Fred’s lower leg bone.
Mrs Collinson said: “Fred just came out of hospital after his sixth round of chemotherapy.
“He really struggles being in there and loses weight when having treatment.
“However we have him home now and he is happy to be home and we are going to fatten him up over Christmas before we are back in to have more chemotherapy on Boxing Day.”
She added: “Fred can be really down and sad about what is happening.
“I remind him how thankful we should be for all that we do have and to remember despite everything he will have to work hard to stay playing cricket.”
Coming from a cricket-loving family he wants to follow in the footsteps of English fast bowler Jofra Archer and become a professional cricketer.
He has played for Gloucestershire since he was chosen for the under 10s squad, and has also played for the Gloucester Cricket Club first team.
Mrs Collinson added: “Only four a year are selected as emerging players and they are selected as they look like they will have a professional contract and career.
“He is a lightening bowler and he aspires to be like Jofra Archer who is new on the block and a phenomenal fast bowler.
“The doctors and nurses are trying to cure Fred. He is so talented and determined we hope he will get back to cricket after a year.”
His team have rallied to show support for Freddie and tasked themselves with a physically difficult challenge in a bid to raise cash for the Ewing Sarcoma Research Trust.
The bar is set high and they will be taking part in a 24-hour Test run challenge.
Their aim is to beat Gloucester-born former England cricket captain, Sir Alastair Cook’s record of scoring 12,472 test match runs.
One of his team-mate’s parents, Jo Dunne, 52, from Chippenham said: “The boys played for Gloucestershire under 10’s and have been together ever since. All together there are 16 in the team including Freddie.
“Freddie is a very talented, fast bowler.
“The whole team go through highs and lows together throughout a season and have great relationships even though they come from all over the county and go to different schools.
“The boys wanted to do this for Freddie because they want to support him in the tough year that he has ahead of him.
“All of them have taken it upon themselves to get this up and running.
“They have sent the fund raising links out to family and friends, and there has been a huge support from the cricketing community.”
The feat will take place at the Bristol County Ground on January 2 at midday and shall hopefully be completed by midday on January 3.
The lads will be shattered as it is gruelling challenge but they did not want to make it easy for themselves.
They all appreciate what they are doing is not to be compared to what Freddie is going through, however it is a wonderful support to show him as it will be incredibly tough.
The boys have invited the Gloucestershire coaches who have trained their squad since 2015 when they first met as a team.
The five coaches will all in turn be on hand to be part of the action to raise money for the charity and Freddie.
Head of the talent pathway for Gloucestershire, and former county star Tim Hancock said: It was a real shock to learn Freddie had the diagnosis.
“We knew he had problems with his legs over the summer, but to hear it was more serious - he is a very brave boy.
“We know he wants to get back to cricket, he loves his cricket and the team want to have him back with them as soon as he can.
“The squad like most sports teams form a bond and Freddie has been part of the team since he was nine years old.
“It is moving the team decided to do this.
“From what I can tell they have already got off to a cracking start.
“I will be there to help support the squad on the test run record breaking event.
“There are a number of coaches who will be there who were asked to take part by the team.
“It is brilliant what they are doing, and doing something for charity and to recognise Fred’s struggles in the coming months.
“They will have a great time and a unique experience.”
The doctors and nurses are trying to cure Fred. He is so talented and determined we hope he will get back to cricket after a year
Sarah Collinson