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Danny Grewcock interview

Open Door - Spring 2002 page 7

When the fundraising phone rings, we never know who will be at the other end. We've had everyone from coffee morning organisers to Morris men, Christmas card sellers to parachutists.

Just before Christmas, Mrs Grewcock rang me. 'It's Mrs Grewcock here. Danny's mum.' Danny is a regular in the England rugby team. His dad has MS. And he had a signed Lions shirt for the MS Trust from the recent Australia tour.

When I had peeled myself off the ceiling, we organised an online auction with the help of Rugby World, the world's biggest selling rugby magazine. The shirt raised three figures. Even more importantly, it raised awareness of MS and the work of the Trust

Now playing regularly before an audience of 70,000, Danny's not done badly for someone who enjoyed sport at school but wasn't outstanding at rugby. 'I started playing club rugby in the sixth form where the opportunity to go to South Africa with Warwickshire came up. Representing the Midlands and taking part in the student World Cup while I was at university really widened my horizons.

'After uni, the chairman of Coventry wanted me to stay at the club and that's when it became more serious. But I had no plans and certainly no expectations of playing for England.'

Playing for his country has taken Danny all over the world, though travelling with work is never as glamorous as it sounds. 'When you're touring, some schedules are really hectic: arrive, train, play the game, leave next day for the next place. There's no time to stop and enjoy the location.' Though Danny did enjoy Australia because 'the people are friendly, the country's varied and the climate's great'. (He omits to mention that one of the tour highlights was a visit to the set of Neighbours complete with attractive antipodean actresses. Not quite all work, work, work!)

So what does Danny miss when he's touring? 'I can't say I always pack Marmite,' he laughs, 'though cooking is something I miss. When I'm away I'm working and tend to keep my head down and concentrate on winning. But I do miss family and friends, like anyone. Mum and dad both come to all home games, despite - in fact, probably to spite - the MS.

'Dad was diagnosed when I was six but I have to be honest and say it didn't impact on me greatly. Because an illness like MS is a gradual process, you have time to acclimatise. For us, the diagnosis wasn't a huge shock. But my brother and I are lucky that mum is able to look after dad full time - and still manage to get the really ground-in dirt off my rugby shirts!'

And since we're talking about Marmite, cooking is how Danny relaxes. He discovered a love of the kitchen 'from trying to find ways of making healthy food taste good. Food has to play an important part in my life style. But it's not cordon bleu - rather chuck it all in and see what comes out!'

Reluctantly, I have to let Danny go. Auctioning the shirt has been a fantastic experience for the MS Trust in terms of fundraising and PR, for which thanks must go to Danny and his family. And it all just goes to prove that when the fundraising phone rings, we never know who will be at the other end. 'Hello? Is that the MS Trust? It's Mrs Ciccone here. You know, Madonna's mum...'

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