Steve Harmison on golf course to boost charity
Aug 27 2009 by Katy Simpson, The Journal
JUST days after helping England win the Ashes, Durham hero Steve Harmison was back in the region raising thousands of pounds for charity.
Supported by a crowd of celebrity friends, the Ashington-born cricketer was in his element yesterday raising money for the Bubble Foundation, at a charity golf day at Longhirst Hall Golf Club, near Morpeth, Northumberland.
Teams were captained by a raft of sporting stars including fellow Durham cricketers Graham Onions, Liam Plunkett, and Australian Michael Di Venuto, as well as former Newcastle and Sunderland footballer Paul Bracewell.
Harmison took time out from the golf course to speak to The Journal of his joy at beating Australia, and the role he played in taking three crucial wickets to secure England’s victory at The Oval.
He said: “It was a massive satisfaction, especially after not being a part of the first squad at the start of the summer. At the time, I didn’t think that was it for me, but I just thought those are the 16, and I’m just going to miss out for a bit. But to come back for that one was fantastic.”
The fast bowler, nicknamed the Ashington Express, paid tribute to the support of the spectators, and said he never doubted that England would win.
“The crowd was electric,” he said. “They were our twelfth man. After teatime, they gave us something extra to help get us that crucial wicket.
“I didn’t believe Australia were going to get 540. I thought it might go on to Monday and you don’t know with the English weather, whether it could have been different then.”
The fast bowler insisted the celebrations were just as triumphant this year, despite the decision not to party as extravagantly as the last time they won in 2005.
He said: “The celebrations were quieter this time but it still tasted just as sweet.
“It was great to beat Australia, and the way the whole country has embraced the Ashes has been brilliant.
“The final day felt very long. It went long in to the night, and that took its toll on the celebrations.
“Come 10pm, there wasn’t too much energy left. But we gave it a good go!”
Harmison is tight-lipped about his future, insisting it is too early to say whether he will play for England again. However, his passion for Durham Cricket Club is as strong as ever, and he believes that Durham has every chance of clinching the county title again.
He said: “I played a lot of cricket for Durham this year and there’s a lot of talk about my future.
“Durham have been there for me through thick and thin. I have played a lot more cricket for them this season, and it would be disrespectful of me just to talk about England.”
The competition, which was won by Plunkett’s team, was followed by a charity auction which included the size 12 shoes worn by Harmison on the final day of the series, complete with celebratory confetti from The Oval still stuck to the bottom.
Other items, which were snapped up for hundreds of pounds each, included the shirt worn by Harmison for the final day, and a shirt signed by all members of the winning England team.
Harmison explained why he is so dedicated to raising money for the Bubble Unit, which treats babies and children born without an immune system.
He said: “My cousin has a little boy who was born with IPEX syndrome, a rare genetic condition, and they said that two was as long as he would live.
“He was one of only five kids in the world to have it. But the Bubble Unit made all the difference for him. He is six now and he is still fighting strong.
“It’s a North East-based charity that helps children, and that’s what I have always been about. I have a young family and if I can help other children who are underprivileged, then that’s what it’s all for.”
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