“Why I Wrote This Book”

Sport has always been a huge part of my life, especially cricket. For more than 30 years, I have lived with axial SpA, a chronic inflammatory condition that has tested me physically and mentally, yet never diminished my love of sport or my determination to keep playing.

 I live in Rugby, Warwickshire, with my wife Claire and our children, George and Grace. While many people saw the cricket matches, the coaching, and the smiles, few saw the daily challenges that came with living and competing through pain, fatigue and uncertainty.

 This book is not about professional sport or claiming to have all the answers. It is an honest account of my journey through amateur cricket, friendship, family life, coaching, mental health, resilience and living with an invisible illness. It is about the lessons sport has taught me, the people who helped me along the way, and the importance of never giving up on the things you love.

 Most of all, I hope my story offers encouragement to anyone facing their own challenges, whether in sport, health or everyday life. If it helps even one person feel less alone, then writing this book was worth it. 

And if, along the way, it raises awareness and support for the charities that mean so much to me, then that is an added bonus.