Cricket fan bowled over by signed bat

A cricket fan was bowled over at receiving a signed cricket bat from the West Indies team.

Richard Holder has parents from Barbados but lives in Trafford near his family. The family often travel to Barbados with Richard to see their family home and extended family members. He receives care from Trafford Council and his social care assessor arranged the special present after the West Indies team stayed at Old Trafford for two Test matches against England during the summer.

Due to coronavirus restrictions and illness, the presentation has only now been able to take place – but Richard’s reaction was well worth the wait.

Paul, a brother of Richard, said:

This is an amazing present. Richard is a huge cricket fan and loves the West Indies team so it’s brought a huge smile to his face. I want to thank Debbie and her team for the way they go the extra mile to look after the people they provide care for.”

Richard’s father, Stanton, added: “I would also like to express my thanks to Debbie Merchant, her husband Matt, all the West Indies Cricket team, for their kind and thoughtfulness in making such a presentation to Richard. Thank you all very much”.

Debbie Merchant, Advanced Social Care Assessor for Trafford Council, said: “At Richard’s last assessment before lockdown, I found out he was a massive cricket fan. My husband Matt is the Head Groundsman at Emirates Old Trafford so I was going to arrange for him to be taken on the pitch at Emirates Old Trafford.

“Unfortunately this couldn’t happen because of the coronavirus but we managed to get Richard a bat signed by the West Indies players instead.

“I am so happy that he loves his present – we always try to do that little bit extra and seeing the smile on Richard’s face makes it all worthwhile.”

Cllr Jo Harding, Trafford Council Executive Member for Adult Services, said:

I am delighted Richard enjoys his brilliant souvenir. I want to thank our fantastic social care team for arranging this present, and thank the staff at Lancashire Cricket Club and the West Indies team for making Richard’s day.”