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Community rallies round paralysed cricket star

Helen Clifton
19/ 6/2008

ROBERT Edwards was one of the area’s top local cricketers - until he was left blind, deaf and paralysed down one side after a sudden brain injury in December 2005.

Robert, 37, who lives with his wife Rachel and five-year-old daughter Jessica on Pennart Road, Northenden, played for Northenden’s Wythenshawe Cricket Club for 20 years.

Dad Robert, who lives opposite his son, said that a simple sinus infection developed into an abcess on Robert's brain.

He added: "He still has all his faculties, which in many ways makes it more frustrating for him."

But Robert’s club have rallied round their former star, raising £5,000 since he left hospital. Mr Edwards said: "Wythenshawe Cricket Club has been absolutely fabulous over the last few years.

"On May 25 this year they played a cricket match in Robert's name, and they did it last year as well."

Now Graham Fletcher of Gatley Golf Club has joined in the fundraising efforts for Robert and his family, by playing 72 holes in one day on Friday, July 4.

Mr Edwards explained: "Robert came out of hospital in November last year, and in February he went to a function at Didsbury Golf Club.

"He met Graham there, who used to know him and had not seen him in years. He was very shocked to see Robert in a wheelchair, and he came to see me and said he would really like to do something, and had been in touch with Gatley Golf Club.

"72 holes is four times round the golf course, so it is quite a supreme effort. He will start at 5am, and has got a few people to go round with him."

Robert has also received a massive boost after Oakwood Commercials presented him with a Mercedes Benz Vito, specially converted to accept a wheelchair.

Mr Edwards said it was, "absolutely fantastic."

"They have known Robert for quite a long time - it is more of a bus really," he added. "Rob is a big lad and it is difficult to get him into a car, but with this bus he just goes up the ramp and doesn't have to move at all. Rob's wife is just learning how to drive it now, but she's very good already."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Graham should email bobedwards3328@yahoo.co.uk