Couple bowled over by success of Anston cricket fundraiser

Vicki and Dan Willis, from Anston, both lost their fathers to sepsis — Fred Clark in September last year, aged 65, and Mick Willis in March, aged 62. 

To say thank you for Fred’s care at the Northern General and Royal Hallamshire Hospitals, the duo hosted The Fred Clark Charity Day which was arranged by Anston Cricket Club, for Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

As part of the event, big Sheffield United fans Vicky and her brother James were pleased when Sheffield United FC Manager Chris Wilder joined in the fun, which raised £2,600.

Vicki said: “My dad, Fred was diagnosed with bladder cancer in June last year. “Unfortunately he suffered a number of setbacks on his road to recovery, one of which was pneumonia which manifested into sepsis. 

“As his kidneys weren't functioning properly, the sepsis rapidly progressed and he passed away soon after. 

“Mick, who was treated in Bradford, also had underlying health problems before being diagnosed with the condition. 

“They were both very ill men who were facing a big battle but they were both treated well and were made as comfortable as possible.

“I’d not really heard of sepsis and I wasn't aware of its seriousness. 

“Both my dad and Mick deteriorated quickly as they had both been poorly, which meant their fight was harder.

“The last year has been draining, leading to some dark times for everyone involved. 

“There were several similarities between our respective dads illnesses, most of them bad but the one good thing was the care and treatment they both received from the NHS.”

Vicki said her dad had appreciated both doctors and nurses being able to laugh and joke with him, which “made him feel human, especially when he felt so unwell”.

She added: “They were so empathetic and above all, honest.

“They told us at every step of the way what they were doing and giving us time after he passed for us to come to terms with what had happened.

“Emotionally, it has been the toughest year we’ve ever had to deal with. 

“To watch one parent lose their fight is bad enough, but to have two such a short space of time is heartbreaking. 

“Arranging this cricket fundraiser has helped when we are having a bad day, as well as having each other and our families.

“My dad was a keen cricketer. 

“In his youth, he was an opening bowler and played for Elsecar and Anston Cricket Clubs amongst others throughout his career. 

“As he got older, it would always be his last season until he took up umpiring which he thoroughly enjoyed. 

“Although deep down, it didn't replace the excitement of being involved in a cricket match himself, being an umpire was the next best thing.

We’ve been extremely grateful to everyone who has helped us organise the charity day for my dad. 

“He would love nothing more than an entire day dedicated to cricket with the food and drinks on tap!”

To donate funds to enhance the care of local patients in Sheffield’s adult hospitals, visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity/donate or call 0114 226 7351.