Below: MadBy Alison Noonan
BLIND Bight’s “Tiger” Bob O’Connell has passed his passion for the Richmond Football Club on to one of the youngest members of his family.
He recently accompanied his grandson Daniel, six, to a special pretraining meeting with the players and club officials and said the day was one to remember.
Daniel has battled leukaemia for five years and his biggest wish was to meet star fullforward Matthew Richardson, Mr O’Connell said.
He said the meeting was organised by CanTeen, a support organisation for young people living with cancer.
“Daniel is a mad Richmond supporter – it runs in the family!” Mr O’Connell said.
“His wish was to meet his favourite player, Richo.”
Mr O’Connell said he and his grandson were made to feel welcome from the moment they walked into the rooms.
“He was greeted by Andrew Cracker who spent some time with him, telling him to keep his chin up and keep taking his medicine.
“Then he was introduced to the other players, including Richo and Chris Newman, and sat amongst them when they did their stretches.
“He was given a presentation pack that included an autograph book and every single player signed his book for him.
“Then some of them took him outside and had a kick with him,” he said.
Mr O’Connell said he was touched by the sincerity players and officials showed to his grandson. He said Daniel was still talking about the meeting two weeks on.
“He was absolutely rapt. He had the time of his life.
“The biggest thing I got out of the day was how much effort the players made to make him feel welcome.
“They all knew what was going on from the second he walked in and they did everything they could to make him feel comfortable and welcome.
“It was extremely professional,” he said.
