'Wrapping my arms around my grandson after his Wales debut was one of best hugs'

20 October 2023 , 19:21

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Val, Robbie and his son Charlie (Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Watching my grandson Charlie’s full senior international debut for Wales left me crying, laughing and with a voice like Barry White because I sang and cheered so loudly.

For the big day, I borrowed a Welsh bucket hat from my neighbour Chris even though I knew I looked like one of the Flower Pot Men, who I remember from their black and white days. Whenever anyone mentioned my hat I replied: “Flobbadobba” in my best Bill and Ben impression. No one knew what I was on about and their eyes slid sideways as if I’d lost it.

Arriving at Wrexham’s ground, which my late husband Colin called “hallowed ground” was enough to set me off. It’s been years since I was physically able to go to a match but my new hip, and the wonderful staff helping me up the steep stairs, made it possible. Seeing Charlie walk on to the pitch in his Wales strip to sing our anthem Yma o Hyd had me sniffling until I couldn’t hold back anymore, so then came loud sobs and tears streaming down my cheeks.

Val cheers on Charlie from the stands (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Our Robert started rubbing my back and I wanted to say: “Robert! I do not have bloody wind!” But I didn’t tell him off because I knew he was teary too. Both of us desperately missed Colin. How proud he’d have been to see history repeat itself. I looked up to the heavens and said: “Please Colin, guide our Charlie’s feet”.

And for the next 90 minutes Robert did not stop his running commentary. “Nice one, Charlie. Hold it. Pass it here. That’s it. Back, Charlie, back.” The whole. Ninety. Minutes. He was like John Motson recreated and it did my head in. I know he’s a professional commentator now but no one wants that right in their ear.

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But I bit my tongue and resisted digging him in the ribs because I knew that our Robert was a bag of nerves, just as I was. When the players walked off at half time I stood up and made a little heart sign at Charlie. He spotted me and did the same back. I hadn’t thought I had any tears left (and I thought, if Robert starts rubbing my back again, this time I’ll clack him).

I turned to the lady behind and apologised for standing and blocking her view, but she said: “No reason to apologise – I thought that was wonderful.” I’m out of touch with football songs so just sang, over and over: “Charlie Savage, duh duh duh.” Before long, the 20 other people in our group were singing it too, and it spread to others beside us who didn’t know our Charlie from Adam. Our Robert said: “There you go, Mum, you can die happy knowing you’ve seen Charlie play for Wales.” I thought, thanks, but I wasn’t thinking of dying. Anyway, wrapping my arms around Charlie after the match was one of the best hugs of my life.

***

Madonna’s following my lead and getting out and about again. I’ve read lots of comments from people telling her to stop all the raunchy antics at 65. Nonsense. Tina Turner kept going way after 65 and we loved her for it. If you’ve still got it, keep flaunting it!

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I regretted giving loo a miss as I cheered on grandson

It’s been over two years since I was at Robbie’s house because I haven’t had any mobility. But a few days after Charlie’s match, my eldest son Jonathan drove me there to watch Robert’s youngest son Freddie’s football match. Robert, his wife Sarah and the boys all gave me such a warm welcome (and a fabulous fry-up) I teared up yet again.

I used up the little bit of voice I had left cheering on Freddie, who played brilliantly. But I didn’t go to the loo at the ground because I don’t like to sit on one so many others have used – I’m funny like that. Big mistake. Because Jonathan and I got stuck in a three-hour long traffic jam on the way home and I was bursting.

Jonathan said: “There’s a bucket in the boot”. I said: “I only have one good leg – how will that help me?” Then we thought maybe I could try to perch in the bushes at the side of the road. But the thought of my Tena Lady flying out and hitting a car’s windscreen had us in hysterics which made my urge for the loo even more urgent. Ladies, a tip: if you sit rocking and shaking for three hours, you can hold it in.

***

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Val Savage