Day 12 - Glasgow Warriors

We had two nights in the same place, which is great. So lovely to be in the same place for more than one night. Loch Lomond is really stunning. I am managing to see a bit of places as I wheel past. I'm so tired at the end of each day, that I don't have the energy to go far from where we are staying. I've always got so much stuff to sort out as well. So it's definitely no sightseeing for me! But that's okay. The sights I see are on the road, which can be amazing. 😀

Today's sights were pretty spectacular. We were greeted in the carpark of Glasgow Warriors and all given special passes. Neil and I even had passes to the changing rooms. Not that I would have gone in there! But it was amazing to have access to all areas 😀 We met the teams. There were 3 girls and 3 boys. Basically all the ones who were not playing. I was hoping that the ball would be signed by the ladies team, but it was great to have the signatures we had, and I'm sure Carlisle Cougars will love it 👏

(I hope so!). We all had our photo taken with the players, which was awesome. Then handed over the ball. All the players asked loads of questions, and it was nice that they understood what muscles would be hurting the most! A lot of people comment and say, 'you'll have huge guns by the end of this!'

Sounds good to me, but I don't use guns that much💪🤣 (which is disappointing!). I mainly use the other muscles which you would use doing press ups etc... And the rugby players actually knew which ones. That said, I do use my biceps on cambers. I have to push with one arm into the camber, and pull back with the other to stop the chair from disappearing down the camber, onto the opposite side of the road. So actually, they're getting a bit of use at the moment.

The gang (Cat, Neil and Pam) all went to find their seats and I had to go to main reception to wait for the person who would show me what to do on the pitch. I was hoping that they would all be going onto the pitch with me. They deserved to be. They are doing as much work as me. They are on the go all day and after, sorting paperwork and logistics so much more. They are my superheroes. They are just incredible. So I wish they were there with me. 🤯

When i was taken off, I met Gilbert the Grouse, who was hilarious. Spoke to some players, behind the scenes. One of them had just got married, and his wedding ring was on so tight it looked like he was going to lose his finger. So I chatted to him about that. He had only got married the day before and was told to take the day off from playing, but was still at the club. Not sure what his new wife would have thought about that! 🤣

So there I was, standing with Gilbert awaiting the right time to go on the pitch. The men ran on. What surprised me was there was no conventional tunnel to run through. But we walked and wheeled through a gap in the seats and on to the pitch, and wow, what an incredible feeling. People clapping and cheering, as I wheeled into the centre of the pitch, with the ball. Managed not to bump it off my lap, and kept waiting for Gilbert. Made it to the centre and placed the ball on the middle of the centre line. I then turned around and began wheeling back. I looked up and everyone was clapping and cheering. It was very surreal. I didn't know where to look. It was such a fantastic experience. It only lasted a couple of minutes, but it was absolutely fantastic. One incredible privilege.

I then was escorted to where everyone was sat and watched the men's game. I couldn't see much because the seats were a very long way from the pitch. If anyone has been to Stonex where Sarries play, thats quite a long wat, but this was even further. Even if id gotten my glasses, i would have needed binoculars for some of it 🤣 So i watched alot using zoom in on my phone 🤣

Me, wheeling out with Gilbert!

It was definitely different, and completely cemented what I already knew, that the women's game is so much better, more fun, interesting and exciting. The boys are incredible. Such exceptional athletes, but for me, the ladies are better to watch (sorry chaps). Plus, they seem to spend more time with the ball. More passes. Less kicking. It's just a more exciting game. Also, one thing that I was very surprised about was the noise in the stadium! Or lack of it. At a Chiefs women's game with 1600 people, we would make 10 times the noise of this crowd that must have had 8000 people at least. The MC did a great job trying to gee everyone on, but nothing! Even when they scored. There was a bit of cheering, but not that pure excitement and elation which is palpable at the women's game. 🙂

Zooming in on the game. Where's the drum, and the funky head wear?

To me, this is a good thing. If only we can get that message out there. The feeling you get when the girls score. The atmosphere. The excitement that we all feel in the crowd. This must then be felt by the players, as well, which then spurs them on. Hence the 'rugby family.' It's a continuous loop of love, and support. And it is something that is almost impossible to describe!

I didn't have a great or close family. My mum died from Lunc cancer when I was in my 1st year of university, when I was studying to be a Nurse. She was very ill for a long time with Systemic Lupus Erathematosis. She was mis diagnosed for 30 years. When she got cancer, she was given 6-12 months, but only made it 6 weeks. It hit me hard. I don't think you ever get over something like that. But at the same time, I lost all of my family. They diddnt die as well, but they were do cruel to me that I couldn't take it anymore, so I said enough was enough, and they didn't seem to be bothered at all. I havnt seen my father or sister for 18 & 19 years, respectfully. My middle sister passed away from alcoholism 2 years ago on new years eve. She was 49. I don't want this to be all morbid, so I won't go on, but want to demonstrate why the rugby family means so much to me ❤️. They are the friends and family that I never thought I'd have. To have people that actually care about you, and support you, the way everyone has me, means so much to me. They came at a time, when things were very tough for me. I suffer from PTSD and periodic depression (like lots of people) so when I found rugby, I was quite low from the realisation that I may never walk again, and they picked me up. The rugby family, and Steve Fraser with Blesma, and my wife, Cat, literally saved me. 🥰

That's enough of all that mushy stuff! Back to the game 🤣

We watched the game, and Glasgow won, which was brilliant. We were thrilled for them. But then I saw something I've never seen at a game before. The final whistle ew, and almost as quick as I turned around, the stands were empty! I've literally never seen anything like it. No one standing at the fences to meet their favourite player. Just a very orderly question with a handful of little ones with their parents waiting with their autograph books to get them signed by the couple of players who stayed on the pitch. It was really bizarre and very orderly. 😲

The team and the players and the ball handover ❤️

After the game was ah hour drive back to where we were staying, and it was quite a late night. Glasgow Warriors were so fantastic. Really supportive. The stadium was lovely and the food, well, I cant normally find anything gluten free at most games, but here I had a choice, and had a lovely pizza.

It was a fantastic day, and I was ready for a wheel the next day. Really happy that the relay was well under way! 🏉