Tim Evans (2&3 South, 1989-94), a fine cricketer himself while at School, suffers from an aggressive form of MS.
Luke Moorby writes: Following on from the amazing fundraising efforts of the OC cricket club, a slightly less polished ensemble of cricketers did their best to help raise funds for Friends of Tim. The 1st of August provided the inaugural ‘Friends of Tim’ six-a-side tournament on a sunny Jubilee pitch. There was a great turn out with teams from ’94,’95 ’96 and ’97 leavers, along with friends, families and many dogs.
What the teams lacked in honed skilled they more than made up for in laughter and enthusiasm. Many were playing their first game of cricket since they left school over 20 years ago but this did not dampen their spirits whilst squeezing their fuller figures into to their old school whites. Baz and Jonny Strong had ordered pristine new outfits for the day, the latter in skin tight jeans looking ever so euro trash.
All the games were very tight and hard fought with some great inter year sledging (see me after HRA, Dudley) and some provocatively close field positions to poor Matt Taylor, only adding to enjoyment of the day.
The dramatic final was decided with a bowl off which caused much drama with the agile and deadly Folarin Majekodunmi hitting the stumps on his team’s final ball, dragging his team into sudden death versus the invitational RAC team. Despite Folarin’s efforts the Majekodunmi Mambas fell painfully close with the RAC team being crowned the eventually winners of the Tim Evans Cup.
Thanks to everyone who came to support and those who so generously donated. A special thanks to a few people for helping making the day run smoothly and so enjoyably. Sophie, Pam and Oli were invaluable helping with all aspects of the BBQ and the food, putting on an amazing spread for everyone. Will Howard, Henry Watkinson and Mike Payne gave up their Saturdays to help out with the umpiring and witnessed first hand some truly inspirational cricket.
Behind the scenes Oli Dudley, Folarin and Brownie helped to make the day happen. Despite some very stiff bodies the next day there seems an overwhelming appetite for the tournament to return next year, as we hope again to build on the OCCC fundraising.
It was a fantastic day filled with laughter but there was also a serious side. The day raised considerable funds for the Friends of Tim Trust. This trust was set up by fellow Old Cranleighans to help Tim. It enables him to have a slightly more comfortable life by providing him additional care hours, paying for his Sky TV subscription and allowing him the opportunity to be taken out for the day by carers.
Tim would love to hear from you. The best ways of contacting him :
- Facebook Tim. His carers help manage his Facebook messages https://www.facebook.com/tim.evans.7731
- Send correspondence to: Flat 14, Shaftesbury Court, 51-53 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, BH3 7AJ
Please do stay in contact by emailing friendsoftimevans@yahoo.co.uk.