Richard, a special guest at the game received an amazing reception from all the fans in the stadium, whilst a competition on the big screens gave fans a chance to win Jamie Roberts’ match shirt and to meet him after the game by texting in the answer to which disguised player was on the screen.
All the proceeds from the competition went to Richard Parks’ 737 Challenge, which is raising funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The lucky winner was 26-year old Welsh fan Kirstin Tilsley from Birmingham who was attending her first game at the Millennium Stadium. The teaching assistant was called by Richard Parks towards the end of the game and informed she had won Jamie’s shirt and a chance to meet him straight after the game.
She then walked through the tunnel and on to the pitch with Richard to meet Jamie who handed over his freshly worn match shirt and had a picture taken with both Jamie and Richard.
Kirtsin, whose family were born in Ebbw Vale was ecstatic to win the prize; “Apart from Ahhhhh! I had an amazing time! It was a brilliant match and a pleasure meeting Jamie and amazing to win his shirt. I think I am going to frame it and put it on my wall!.”
Kirstin was also pleased that not only her mobile number was the number drawn at random to win, but that her £2 text helped raise funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care; “My mum had cancer a few years ago and she’s now in remission so it was nice that the competition was for such a good cause”. The competition raised almost £2,000.
It was an overwhelming day for Richard who was given a fantastic reception by a packed crowd just minutes before kick off, he stated; “I was honoured to be a special guest and completely overwhelmed by the reception the fans gave me as I walked onto the pitch! I was pretty terrified about speaking to over 70,000 people but it was awesome to be able to say thank you to all the fans and rugby community from Wales and all over the UK who have shown so much support throughout the 737 Challenge. It was a day I will cherish forever and was humbled by the invitation from Dennis Gethin and Roger Lewis. The fact that Wales won and it was my birthday weekend made it even more special!”
He added; “I’d also like to say thanks to the fans that entered the competition to win Jamie’s shirt and a special thank you to everyone at the Welsh Rugby Union for all their support, and especially Jamie for generously donating his playing jersey. I know how much his jersey means, he’s a true gent and top guy. The WRU have been very supportive since day one and I am very proud that we have such a special relationship.”
