Buckinghamshire CCC Over 60s/70s Chairman Ron Hedley and his wife, Pat, have long championed awareness and fundraising for prostate cancer research. In 2024, their efforts took an extraordinary turn when Ron met the St Peter’s Vatican Cricket Team at Wormsley Cricket Ground. During a conversation with the team’s manager, Father Eamonn O’Higgins, Ron mentioned that he and Pat would be visiting Rome later that year. Father Eamonn warmly invited them to lunch during their stay.
That lunch proved pivotal. Father Eamonn proposed an inspiring idea: Ron should bring a cricket team to Rome to play against the St Peter’s-Vatican XI to raise awareness of prostate cancer across the Catholic world. To Ron’s astonishment, 37 people signed up for the trip – 19 players, 2 umpires, and a host of wives, partners, and supporters.
On Thursday 30th October, the group left for their 5-night tour to Rome. Three matches were arranged: two against the local Roma Capannelle Cricket Club and one against the Vatican team. The first match, a T20 against Roma Capannelle CC on Friday afternoon, ended in defeat but friendships and memories were forged.
Saturday morning brought the highlight: the match against the St Peter’s-Vatican CC XI. To everyone’s delight, especially Father Eamonn’s, Katie Reeves, daughter of the late Bob Willis, flew in to be part of the occasion. Katie conducted the coin toss, with St Peter’s-Vatican CC XI electing to bat. The Prostate Cancer Awareness (PCA) XI looked sharp in their specially designed kit, while the Vatican team dazzled in their yellow blazers. Despite another loss, the spirit of the event was triumphant.
At each match, the PCA XI captain presented the opposition with a commemorative pennant and their player of the match received a special Bob Willis Fund glass trophy. On behalf of the St Peter’s-Vatican XI, Father Eamonn gifted Ron and Pat a Catholic icon and a rosary, both blessed by Pope Leo XIV. Katie and Sue Faragher were also presented with rosaries blessed by Pope Leo XIV
On Saturday evening, the group visited a museum dedicated to Italian cricket and Roma Capannelle CC, curated by Alfonso Jayarajah, founder and first captain of the Italian national team. This gave a real insight into how cricket has evolved in Italy.
Sunday brought an unexpected twist: The Vatican had invited the group to a Private Holy Mass in a crypt chapel beside the mausoleum of St Peter – a rare honour. However, after rising early, the group discovered that they would have to wait another 24-hours as the Mass was in fact scheduled for Monday. The mix-up allowed for a relaxed breakfast before the final match against Roma Capannelle CC. Though the PCA XI showed improvement, they were again defeated. In a touching gesture, Leandro Jayarajah announced that Roma Capannelle CC would donate their match fees (£400) to the Ron’s March fund.
Monday morning was unforgettable. The group attended the private Holy Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, conducted by Father Eamonn and David Faragher read the lesson. The experience was deeply moving, with Father Eamonn’s message of peace and harmony resonating with all, regardless of faith. The group were able to visit the resting place of St Peter too. Following the Mass, a walk through the Basilica led to an unforgettable sight – Pope Leo XIV was entering to conduct a special Holy Mass. This moment, filled with awe and reverence, felt all the more serendipitous thanks to the unexpected scheduling confusion on Sunday.
The whole trip left a lasting impression on all who participated. Several of the party visited the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore where Pope Francis is laid to rest. Rome’s beauty, the warmth of its people, and the shared purpose of raising awareness made for an extraordinary journey. Heartfelt thanks go to Father Eamonn, Dane Kirby, Leandro and Alfonso Jayarajah of Roma Capannelle CC, and to Katie Reeves for being part of this remarkable experience.
The fund has now reached £78000
Donate at; ttps://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-rons-march-for-prostate-cancer
