Pitching in with my dream team
One of the things that keeps me going when health stuff gets in the way is speaking to others about my prostate cancer journey. Not just for the sake of cancer awareness but to hopefully inspire others to live their best lives and understand how to behave around others who have any challenge in their world.
It gives me a sense of worth and purpose.
Last week, I received a call from Mark Robinson, the AFC Wimbledon football manager who wanted me to share my story with the first team squad. I guess he wanted me to help them deal with adversity, and recognise and enjoy the high points we have in life every day but sometimes just don’t appreciate.
For me it was a massive honour as I have been a Wimbledon fan in its two incarnations since 1979 and the club has been a welcome distraction from my reality many times over those 40-plus years. I did speak to their development squad a few years ago but to be in front of the real deal, lads who I have watched play made me feel very humble.
What struck me about them – both as I spoke and afterwards when I watched their training session – was how they genuinely worked as a team and, of course, picked up on failings occasionally but always with a desire to be the best that they can be.
The passion and energy they put into everything, just like I’m sure, most professional sports people, was a joy to watch. Afterwards they presented me with a signed shirt and match ball which are items I will treasure as a tangible reminder of the time I spent with them.
Most of my presentations, however, are made to ordinary people, like you and me, and I hope that you too create and take opportunities to share your own stories, skills and experience where you could make a positive difference to others.