🔥 SLAMMIN’ SAM B – SALE SHARKS SPECIAL 💙🦈

“One of the best days of our lives.”
That’s how both Sammy and I described it. And we meant every word.

It’s Monday 24th March 2025. Sammy and I wake up like it’s Christmas morning – buzzing, excited, everything packed and ready to go like a well-oiled machine. Smoothie made ✅ Xena walked ✅ Emergency bag ✅ Water bottle, packed lunch… all done ✅

Today was the day we got to visit Sale Sharks training ground.

Thanks to Jeni and Tiff for reaching out and pulling some strings, and the incredible Elise – who worked tirelessly to make this happen, we were off for what would become an unforgettable day.

We arrive early and pop to the Trafford Centre first (Sammy wanted to get something for his little sister Charlotte and brother Hurricane Harry). Nearly had a bust-up with an Uber driver taking up two charging bays, but nothing was going to ruin this day. Smiles all round.

We pull into the club, and Sammy is already pointing:
“Dad, I think I can see Tom Curry… or Ben!” (Ben was not there, sadly, so it was definitely Tom … Sammy joked that he could just pretend he’s seen both of them as they look so alike).
We text Elise. She’s already waiting for us outside reception, arms open, massive smile. What a legend. Hugs and thank yous all round.

Now here’s the bit that blew us away. I thought it’d be a fan zone, behind the fence watching from a distance.

Nope.

This was all for Sammy.
We were given a private tour. First stop? The kit room—full of history and memorabilia. Pete (absolute gent) shows us Tom Curry’s shirt for Friday’s game. Sammy holds it like it’s made of gold. The grin on his face said it all – pure magic.

Into the gym where Josh Beaumont and Jean-Luc du Preez are training. They are human tanks! We wander through the café where players chill and play pool. Elise points out signed rugby league shirts on the wall from visiting teams.

Sammy jokes: “I’d beat Tom Curry at pool.”

Then to the changing rooms. The size of the boots alone – canoes! Sammy’s in awe (see what I did there 😉). And just like that, Josh Beaumont pops in for a photo. What a guy.

We come out and boom – Raffi Quirke walks over to see Sammy. WTAF!!! This is the Raffi that sent him a video when he was low, along with Sam Dugdale and Arron Reed. The rugby community is just amazing. Sammy lit up every time he got a video.

We got to watch training from right there on the sideline, in amongst it. Tom Roebuck, O’Flaherty, Will Addison, Bedlow … everyone stopping to say hello, shake Sammy’s hand.

Then came Rob du Preez — great chat, total gent. Sammy asked him to do a special celebration if he scores on Friday (Sammy reckons it will be two tries by Rob! … no pressure, Rob!).

Up in the restaurant, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Tom Curry are deep in tactics with a coach. Sammy and I try to act cool. We weren’t. Then Sam arrives – a top man who spent the whole day making sure Sammy felt at home. We can even forgive him for being a kissballer!

Luke signs Sammy’s ball. Sam brings him merch – ball, scarf, water bottle. Unbelievable generosity.

Back down to the main pitch and training ground. Ernst van Rhyn, Hyron Andrews, Johnny Hill, Tadgh McElroy… even Nye Thomas let Sammy sip his Red Bull 😆

I chat with Bevan Rodd (my new man crush). Every single player is grounded, polite and genuine. A credit to the club and the sport.

Then it gets emotional.

Alex Sanderson, Director of rugby (the boss!), gives Sammy a whistle. Not just any whistle – this became his pass to join in. The players were cheering each time he blasted it. He blasted it in the hospital the next day to tell everyone he met Sale Sharks. Got the whole oncology unit’s attention! 😂

During training, George Ford – yes, the George Ford – has him helping with drills. Encouraging him. Sammy was in heaven. George even shouted across to Gus Warr:
“Gus! Sammy passes better than you!”
Gus replies: “Bet he tackles better than you, Fordie!”
The banter. The joy. The memories.

At the end, Tom Curry invites Sammy into the players’ huddle. George swears and apologises. Sammy says, “Don’t worry, my dad always swears.”
Laughter all around. And me? Holding back the tears like a total mess.

A coach spotted me tearing up, gave me that one-arm-man-hug. That silent “You’re alright, mate.” Nearly finished me.

Sammy gets over 30 signatures on his ball. From the forwards to the support staff, every person made him feel like royalty.

We finish with lunch next to Rouban Birch, and Sammy is chatting away like he’s one of the lads. The owner of the club (Michelle Orange) pops over to say hello – what a woman. You can tell how proud she is of the club.

Then it’s time to leave. Hugs, high fives, and see you Friday all round. Because yes – we’re going to the game on Friday to see them beat Northampton. Come on, Sharks!

To every single person at Sale Sharks – thank you.

From the kit man to the coaching staff, from Elise to Alex, from Fordy to Raffi, from Sam to every legend we met…

You didn’t just give us a tour.
You gave us hope.
You gave us a memory that we will treasure forever.
You gave my son a day where cancer didn’t exist.

And for that, we are forever grateful.

This is part of his origin story. From pitch-side fan to future Sale Sharks star, England international, British & Irish Lion.

Put the bet on. You heard it here first. 🦁🏉🔥

Thank you, Sale Sharks.
Love,
The Balmforths x

💙 “Events fuel hope. Memories keep us going.”
Let’s keep creating them.