Harry Judd’s All Star Cricket Match
Young cancer patient Lori Kimberlin was bowled over when she got the chance to mingle with the stars at a charity cricket match.
The 20-year-old, from Woodville, near Ashby, was one of hundreds of people who turned out to watch the star-studded sporting event at Uppingham School on Sunday.
The match was organised by McFly drummer Harry Judd and included former sports stars such as Freddie Flintoff, Lee Dixon, Robbie Savage and Phil Tufnell.
The stars were at Harry’s former school, in Rutland, to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Eyes Alight Appeal, which helps the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust.
Lori, who is in the final few months of her treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, got the chance to chat with ex-England cricketer Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff.
She said: “It was exciting – he’s very attractive. I’ve been watching some of the cricket and drinking Pimms, but I’m not really that much of a cricket fan – I’m more of a Harry from McFly fan.”
About 2,000 people enjoyed the match from the comfort of the sidelines and managed to grab a few autographs throughout the day.
Some fans waved “I love Harry” posters and chanted his name during the tightly-fought contest.
Harry said: “It’s been an amazing event and I’ve really enjoyed playing with some absolute greats, as well as a few of my good friends.
“Although I don’t like losing, I’m so pleased it’s raised awareness of two incredible causes and, hopefully, lots of money.”
The McFly star is an ambassador for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Last month, following a gig at De Montfort Hall, he visited patients on the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Uppingham School headmaster Richard Harman said the cricket day had gone better than expected and he would welcome the event back.
He said: “We support the charity but we won’t raise anywhere near what Harry has managed to collect today.
“It’s the first time we’ve hosted this event but I’ve been asked about 1,000 times whether we’ll be making it an annual thing so there’s definitely pressure to keep it going.
“It’s been a great day and, best of all, the sun was out.”
A spokeswoman for the Teenage Cancer Trust said: “Teenage Cancer Trust’s vision is a future where young people’s lives don’t stop because they have cancer.
“We make sure they’re treated as young people first, cancer patients second and everything we do aims to improve their quality of life and chances of survival.”
About six young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK.