It’s a walk I wished I would never of had to do...
The text from my good friend, Wayne Evans, came through all the way from America, great I thought, I’ve been meaning to call him for a few days, ever since Messi signed for Inter Miami, funnily enough. My heart sank when I read the text, it was from Wanners’ phone but was the words of his wife, Bev, explaining to his contacts that without any warning he’d had a heart attack and had tragically passed..
I’d played with Wanners at Walsall FC for 5-6 years, we’d had two promotions and countless fantastic memories in that time. To say I was gutted was an understatement. A wonderful family man, proper salt of the earth Welshman with a great sense of humour, the funeral held in his hometown of Welshpool confirmed this, with many amazing tributes paid and stories told of the great man through family and friends, including out teammate, Adi Viveash, who gave an emotional speech on behalf of the lads.
I’d asked the lads in the week, if any of them would like to walk, Mount Snowdon in honour of our Welsh friend the day after his funeral. Although everyone to a man thought it was a great idea, with only a few days notice no one else could do it. Before Wanners passing, I would’ve took that as a sign not to do it and put it off until another time. But, after seeing just how precious life is, I have a new vigour to get things done while I’m able.
The funeral was an emotional day, many Guinness’ were sunk as memories of our boy were told. All in all not ideal preparation for walking the biggest mountain in Wales but I’d told his family and everyone there I was doing it for Wanners, I had to. It was tough going at 5am, especially for someone who prefers a golf buggy to get round 18 holes but the exhilaration I felt on reaching the summit and taking a pic holding the commemorative program from the Walsall v Rochdale game held in honour of Wanners a few days before was a proud feeling.
Heading back down the mountain was the toughest part, my knee is not in great shape but I got through it thanks to the thought of my friend and the many people who had donated already to the just giving pages set up to help with the, £30,000 repatriation fund needed to bring his body back from America where he was living and working as a coach - something he’d done around the world since his playing days had ended.
I’m forever grateful to the many who donated to help his family with this and also through the donations, kind words, shares and likes that have helped to set up this foundation.
Rest well Wanners mate, I hope we did you proud.x
Jimmy