🔥 SLAMMIN’ SAM B MATCHDAY MAGIC – SALE SHARKS VS NORTHAMPTON 💙🏉

Alright folks, this update is less about chemo and blood counts and more about something truly epic — a night that Sammy, our family, and honestly everyone who witnessed it, will never forget.

We’re talking about the Sale Sharks vs Northampton Saints game. But let’s rewind slightly to the build-up, because if you know us, you know there’s always a story!

The week following our visit to Sale’s training ground was tough. As the chemo kicked in, each day got harder for Sammy. The fatigue, the sickness, it all ramped up. By Friday morning, he’d thrown up and was looking pale and shattered. It honestly looked like the dream of making the game might not happen.

But if you know Sammy, you know he’s not one to back down. He knocked back his smoothie, had a power nap, and woke up with fire in his belly. “Let’s get ready guys!” — those words were magic. We were back in the game.

Nix was out dropping Charlotte off, Harrison was her co-pilot, and time was tight. But the road gods smiled on us — everyone made it back in time. We loaded the car with everything: wheelchair, emergency packs, scarfs, Sale Sharks shirts, and that electric family energy that comes when you know something big is about to happen.

This would be Sammy and Harry’s first ever stadium experience. Driving over the flyover and seeing the stadium all lit up, you should have seen the boys’ faces. Sammy swore he could see George Ford kicking a ball from a mile away. Love that.

We pulled into the car park and were met by Sale’s incredible hospitality. Straight into a disabled space, Sam waiting to greet us, and then into the West Reception. Sam’s face when he saw Sammy lit up — and vice versa. Up we went to the hospitality suite, staff treating us like royalty, walking us through the evening.

As we stepped out to take our seats, there’s Dan du Preez, casually standing in Sammy’s spot! He turns around, greets the boys, and even grabs Nix and me a couple of chairs. Absolute gent.

Then… KICK OFF! And what. a. game. Tom O’Flaherty with an unreal try right in front of us, followed by a pinpoint kick leading to Tom Roebuck’s try. Sammy was losing his mind — loving every minute.

Bevan Rodd was an absolute machine all game — and seeing him crash over for another try (his second in two games!) had me punching the air. The man is a wrecking ball and, yes, still my man crush. Jean-Luc du Preez and Rob du Preez brought power and precision, both instrumental in controlling the game. George Ford’s leadership and kicking kept the momentum, and Tom Roebuck continues to prove he’s a force to be reckoned with. Tom O’Flaherty? Pure class with every touch.

Me? I was geeking out. Rugby royalty all around us. Steve Thompson sitting with his kids nearby. Henry Pollock for Northampton showing pure class. Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman bringing the fire. It was a true Six Nations-level showdown.

The atmosphere was electric, and Sammy was soaking in every moment. George Ford’s penalty had us all on edge. It was 27-24, with Northampton pushing hard. We were meant to leave before the final whistle to avoid the post-match chaos… but no chance. We needed to see it through.

And wow, what a finish. Massive tackle from Aaron Reed, textbook jackal from Joe Carpenter. Crowd erupts. Sharks take it.

Then came the magic moment. We’re guided through to the tunnel by Steve, who made all of this possible — a true gent and someone we’re so grateful to. We bump into Ugo Monye — what a lovely guy. We chat in the lift, just surreal.

And then… into the changing rooms. Rob du Preez chats with Sammy, hands him his shirt — proper lump-in-throat stuff. Luke Cowan-Dickie gives Sammy a hug.

More Tunnel Magic – Dugdale, Quirke & Reed 💥

As if the night couldn’t get any more special, Sammy also got to say hello to Sam Dugdale in the tunnel — one of the first players to send him a video message when things were really tough. That video gave Sammy such a boost when he needed it most, and seeing Sam in person made it all come full circle.

Sam came over, spoke with Sammy like they were old mates, and said something that really stuck with us: “Anything you need, I’m here — if he wants a visit in hospital, then so be it.” Honestly, what an amazing guy. We’d never expect any of the players to actually visit hospital — but just knowing he meant it, knowing how genuine he was in that moment… it says everything about his character. Top lad, pure class.

We also bumped into Raffi Quirke again and Arron Reed — both took the time to say hi and made Sammy feel like a superstar. The respect, the kindness, the time they gave… it’s something we’ll never forget.

These players aren’t just athletes — they’re role models, and more importantly, they’re good people. 💙

Harrison’s sammys little brother was in awe. Michelle Orange, the club’s owner, notices all the focus on Sammy and grabs Harrison to walk out onto the pitch. Beautiful.

We meet Elise (the legend who made all of this happen), Pete, the coaching staff, and then George Ford comes over. Sammy gives him a painting he made during his chemo session on Wednesday — a watercolour of George signing Sammy’s kicking tee.

George promises to hang it on the inspiration board or at home. And to top it all off, he signs a shirt for Harrison too.

Alex Sanderson, the big boss man, just finished up his interview and is walking in front of us. He stops to chat with Nix (Mummy) and says how amazing it was having Sammy on Monday, what an incredible kid he is, and how he brought an incredible energy to the team. He said Sammy was their good luck charm. Those words hit hard — in the best way. So humbling and so heartfelt. Thank you, Alex.

What a night. What a club. What a memory.

From the training ground to matchday, the love and kindness Sale Sharks showed our family is something we’ll never forget. Rugby has always been a sport of community, respect, and heart — and Sale Sharks proved that tenfold.

This club, these players, the staff, the fans — you’ve made us feel like family. And yes, we’re Sharks fans for life now.

Sammy may be fighting cancer, but nights like this remind us what he’s fighting for. And trust me — one day, he’ll be running out of that tunnel wearing a Sale shirt himself. This is just his origin story.

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.” “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up.” “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”

From the Balmforths — thank you, Sale Sharks. You gave us hope, smiles, and memories we’ll cherish forever. 💙

🧠 A Thought to Leave You With

Funny how life works.

We were lucky to go to the training ground.
Lucky to see the game.
Lucky to meet heroes who made Sammy feel like one of their own.

But the reason any of it happened?
Because our boy has cancer.

It’s a strange truth to sit with. Moments of magic born from something brutal.
So we’re learning to live in the grey—to hold the good and the bad at the same time.
To stop asking “Why us?” and instead whisper… “Maybe.”

A Special Thank You – The Unsung Heroes 💙

Before we sign off this unforgettable memory, we want to give a dedicated shoutout to three incredible people who made all of this happen — Elise, Steve, and Sam.

Elise, from the very first message, you moved mountains. You took the time to truly listen, to understand what this would mean to our family, and you made it happen with kindness, care, and unwavering commitment. You are a credit to Sale Sharks, and we will never forget your compassion and hustle. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Steve — thank you for guiding us through the tunnel, keeping us updated during the match, and just being an all-around gent. The way you looked after us with warmth and thoughtfulness made everything feel even more special. You’re the reason we made it into that tunnel moment and had those final memories locked in forever.

And Sam… what a legend. You didn’t just look after Sammy — you laughed with him, joked with him, made him feel like one of the team. You treated our boy with so much respect and genuine interest, and as a parent, that means everything. The way you carried yourself, supported our family, and represented the club — you are the perfect ambassador for everything Sale Sharks stands for.

The three of you are a big part of this story, and we’ll always be grateful that you played such an important role in one of the best days of our lives.