Loyal fan Alick Mulhall may have missed the Huddersfield Giants’ most important game of the season after travelling 200 miles to Huddersfield to watch it and then suffering a fall 25 minutes before kick-off,
But the Ipswich-based Giants’ season ticket-holder still described missing his side’s play-off defeat to Catalan Dragons as one of the most heart-warming experiences of his life!
The fact he was having treatment at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary on a damaged nose and chin rather than seeing the Giants lose 18-16 to the Dragons to deny them a place in the Super League semi-finals may have eased some of the pain.
Yet it was the care and compassion shown by all of the Huddersfield public in the wake of his heavy fall that meant it was a trip that will forever hold fond memories.
“What could so easily have been one of my worst ever experiences turned out to be one where I witnessed so much human kindness,” said 64-year-old Alick, who had travelled up from his Suffolk home earlier in the day with the hope of seeing the Giants move to within 80 minutes of Saturday’s Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford with victory over Catalan.
“I always thought the Giants fans and the public of Huddersfield were very special people, and now I know for certain. There kindness puts so many other places to shame.
“The play-off game I missed was the one which had gained the Giants a fair bit of negative press, because it was the one where a power cut meant only half the floodlights were working when the game kicked-off. It also meant the approaches were a little dark. But I just think my fall could have happened to anyone.
“But as soon as I fell, there are people around me showing their concern. Everyone was immediately asking me if I was okay and doing everything they could to make sure I wasn’t too badly hurt.
“They all refused to leave me until the volunteers from St John’s arrive.
“They were brilliant, then so were the doctor and nurse who checked me over before arranging an ambulance to take to me to the HRI’s A &E department.
“All of the staff there were also wonderful. In fact, I find it incredible to think how people can knock them.
“And I think the icing on the cake was when the nurse and sister called me ‘luvvy’. You don’t get called ‘luvvy’ down South!
Alick eventually returned home the following day, where he forced himself to watch a recording of the Giants’ defeat.
But has it put him off making the regular 400-mile round trip to attend every home game?
“No way! In fact, it’s made me appreciate even more what Huddersfield and the Giants have to offer, and I’m buying my season ticket this week,” he added.
“Already, I can’t wait for the new season to start and to meet up with my Giants fans again.
“Rugby League and the Giants have now become part of my life now. They are a very special rugby team followed by equally-special fans.
“And sometimes it takes unfortunate incidents like this to appreciate it.”
