TOMMY Martyn revealed to a group from Age UK this week how he couldnt walk for three days after his heroics in the 2001 Challenge Cup Final at Twickenham. Speaking at the latest Rugby Reminiscing day at Langtree Park Tommy told Saints fans that he played in the showpiece game despite suffering with a dual set of hernias. Martyn scored a try and dropped a goal in Saints 13-6 win over Bradford in the 100th Challenge Cup Final. Visitors from around the town traveled to Langtree Park to watch highlights of the day before chatting to Tommy about his Twickers experience. Rugby Reminiscing, a project with Age UK Mid Mersey, in partnership with Saints Foundation (SCDF) and Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation. Local people meet regularly at both Langtree Park and The Halliwell Jones Stadium to reminisce about Rugby League in their community. Each event has a focus with the most recent visit looking at the first time Saints played at the home of Rugby Union. Commenting on the focus of the project, Paul Chadwick (Health & Wellbeing Coordinator with Age UK Mid Mersey) explained: The aim of the alliance is to embrace the person first and their dementia second. We want older people to enjoy the camaraderie of the match day experience and to challenge the stigma associated with dementia. The scheme encourages older people to remain active within their community in order to help reduce social isolation and low self- esteem. Tommy spoke about his current role at Langtree Park and how Saints hatched a plan to beat a burly Bradford Bulls side back in 2001: He told the group: They were bigger than us so we kept kicking in behind them, previously wed kick high to them but nearly every kick that day was along the floor to turn them round. The in-goals were huge compared to the usual three steps and my try came from a deep grubber kick. It was a cagey game and I remember it raining for most of the day. The majority of our fans werent under cover. We wanted to put a show on, for the club, the game and also for the RFU and the Rugby Union people watching. Its an amazing stadium and the changing rooms were much bigger than most. I couldnt walk for three days afterward because of the double hernia, it was nothing to do with the party afterwards! I probably shouldnt have played, but it was the final. I had an operation afterwards and managed to get back on the field eight weeks later. After a Q&A session with Tommy the group visited the trophy room before accessing the Saints Heritage Vault, an interactive touchscreen device which houses old footage, interviews and photos. During each visit a member of Saints Past Players Association kindly shares their experiences and tales from their career in the Red Vee. Through this partnership, older people living with dementia, along with their families and carers, are invited to bring the rugby league experience to life. Working with past players who share their time, knowledge and compassion, Age UK Mid Mersey will work towards helping members of the group to: Reduce the symptoms of depression Raise their levels of self-esteem Improve communication Enhance their mood Have fun Share their experiences alongside their families Additionally, Age UK Mid Mersey offers access to professional counseling support and respite for those caring for people living with dementia. The service gives older people, carers and their families an opportunity to meet up with past and present rugby players, through escorted tours, with opportunities to take a look behind the scenes at Langtree Park. Bookings for the event can be made through Kym Smith (Social Inclusion Coordinator) on 01744 752 644 at the Mansion House, Victoria Park, City Road, St Helens. Alternatively, Kym can be contacted via email [email protected].
Posted on: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 19:43:50 +0000
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