Cricket-mad Charlie McPhail was left speechless after receiving a surprise hospital visit from Durham cricketers Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Chris Rushworth and coach Neil Killeen.
The 13-year-old was diagnosed with leukaemia a couple of weeks ago after being referred to the Great North Children’s Hospital from the University Hospital of North Durham after feeling generally unwell.
Charlie, who plays for Lanchester Cricket Club and is a keen leg-spinner, is a passionate Durham and England cricket fan and was delighted when the players arrived unexpectedly at his ward.
After one of the staff nurses discovered Charlie was an avid cricket fan and informed DCCC, Stokes, Wood, Rushworth and Killeen all presented Charlie with some presents including a signed England T20 shirt, an autographed Durham jersey and a Jets helmet.
“I was generally shocked when the cricketers walked in, I really didn’t have any idea they were coming,” Charlie said.
“I was speechless at first, but they were all really easy to talk to and it was amazing to speak to Stokesy, Woody, Rushy and Killer.
“It’s hard being in the hospital at Christmas but the lads cheered me up and it was very kind of them to come along.”
Charlie’s mother Hayley Wilkinson added, “It’s been a difficult couple of weeks but he’s a little fighter and we’re really hopeful we can get him home for Christmas day.
“The hospital has been great and we’re very grateful to everyone at Durham County Cricket Club for coming along and cheering us all up.”