Cricket captain given freedom of Sheffield after Ashes success
England Cricket captain Michael Vaughan OBE is now allowed to drive a herd of sheep through the streets of Sheffield after being awarded with the freedom of the city at a charity fundraising event.
More than 1,500 fans packed into Sheffield city hall in February to enjoy an evening with the victorious Ashes winning batsman and raised more than £10,000 on ticket sales alone for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
Vaughan, who is patron of the charity, said he didn’t just want to be associated with the hospital but actively help. “The hospital is great as it is but is could certainly be a lot better,” he said.
The Yorkshire and England hero, who was witty and cracked jokes throughout the night, also swapped his whites for red robes to receive an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in a bizarre but formal ceremony.
Special guests including patients from the hospital met Vaughan on stage and asked him unseen questions.Perhaps the highlight was the introduction of the Barmy Army’s cheerleader, “Jimmy”, who led the audience in a hilarious rendition of the supporter’s club anthem.
Video messages from the likes of Adam Gilchrist, Dickie Bird and Mike Gatting, were also played in honour of England’s captain.
As for freedom of the city, Vaughan was intrigued. “I’m hoping it’s a free pint in every pub in Sheffield and a free taxi home, now that I live a bit further away,” he said.
More than 1,500 fans packed into Sheffield city hall in February to enjoy an evening with the victorious Ashes winning batsman and raised more than £10,000 on ticket sales alone for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
Vaughan, who is patron of the charity, said he didn’t just want to be associated with the hospital but actively help. “The hospital is great as it is but is could certainly be a lot better,” he said.
The Yorkshire and England hero, who was witty and cracked jokes throughout the night, also swapped his whites for red robes to receive an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in a bizarre but formal ceremony.
Special guests including patients from the hospital met Vaughan on stage and asked him unseen questions.Perhaps the highlight was the introduction of the Barmy Army’s cheerleader, “Jimmy”, who led the audience in a hilarious rendition of the supporter’s club anthem.
Video messages from the likes of Adam Gilchrist, Dickie Bird and Mike Gatting, were also played in honour of England’s captain.
As for freedom of the city, Vaughan was intrigued. “I’m hoping it’s a free pint in every pub in Sheffield and a free taxi home, now that I live a bit further away,” he said.
posted by marsden at 4:59 PM
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