Is there a cricket fan in the world who hasn’t at one stage dreamt of facing a ball from Shane Warne; arguably the best bowler to have ever played the game of cricket? Probably not.

Like all these people, I too have always wanted to face ‘Warney’ and that’s why it sits at Number 84 on my list- ‘Face an Over from Warney’ (an over for those non-cricket fans consists of 6 consecutive bowls from one bowler).

As you can imagine, to now be at a stage where I can announce that I will be ticking this item from my list this Tuesday (May 21st), a lot of weird and wonderful things have occurred- not least of these being getting a phone call from Shane himself- But with only 5 days remaining until I take the crease, the best part of this whole experience has nothing to do with me. Instead it’s to do of a young boy called Marko.

Shane Warne is a name that goes hand in hand with cricket and for all my items, this is one that has attracted a lot of attention (specially amongst Australian males!). It came as no surprise then that on hearing that the magic over had been miraculously arranged (on the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, no less) friends and strangers alike instantly inundated me with pleas to join me. Offers of camera skills, wicket-keeping brilliance, general moral support and even money have all been thrown my way. My mind was running with possibilities.

Interestingly, at the same time, Shane actually offered that I bring one other person with me and this is where the story gets interesting.

The Twist

With the development of 100 Things, the notion of helping others (however I can!) is something that has really taken the forefront of all I do. Therefore, as I saw it, this “plus one” offer really had the potential to do something special.

I should say that there were plenty of amazingly generous offers from people willing to donate money to charity for the opportunity to join me at the MCG, but having participated in a recent kids camp with Camp Quality (the charity helping kids and families affected by cancer), I thought that this opportunity could help in a much more direct way with a child’s dream. My thought was simple; ‘I wonder if there’s a kid within Camp Quality who shares my goal of facing an over from Shane?’.

The answer was obvious; Of course there was! His name is Marko.

Marko is a 9-year old boy who late last year was diagnosed with a form of Leukaemia. A situation that has of course rocked Marko and his family, Marko in the space of 6 month has had to leave school, lose all social contact and spend plenty of time in hospital. Going through what many would describe as the biggest challenge of their lives, Marko has responded extremely well to therapy and with the help of a supportive family and Camp Quality, Marko’s health is improving.

Camp Quality’s believe that laughter is the best medicine, and it’s in this idea of happiness that led me to call Marko’s Mum last week;

“I’m just wondering whether Marko would like the opportunity to meet his favourite cricket player?” 

My question was simple. The response was quick (and loud!) “YES!”

A huge fan of cricket and the great Shane Warne, Marko is a boy with a big heart. Having never met him in person, it brings a massive smile to my face to say that the first time I’ll meet him will be in the middle of the MCG at the very same time that he shakes Shane Warne’s hand.

As for Shane Warne, well I owe this cricketing legend (and generous bloke) a big thanks. I can’t wait to come down and try hit one of your deliveries! haha

Here’s what my one and only practice session looked like… just quietly I could be in a lot of trouble!

100 Things… People Helping People