FOR next season Yelverton Bohemians Cricket Club has appointed a new third XI captain, who despite physical and mental disabilities, is proving a real inspiration for his fellow players on and off the field.

After two full seasons at the club Patrick Medhurst-Feeney, aged 28, quickly became a respected member of the team, playing for the third XI. His vocal presence and cricket experience has been used to help the new generation of cricketers coming through the club.

However, four years ago Patrick was involved in an accident in Afghanistan while serving as a vehicle search dog handler. He then entered a long recovery period, which continues to this day. He lives with both physical and mental health conditions that have a direct impact on his day to day life.

At a transition course run by the military in Tidworth, Wiltshire, he took part in a cricket training session with Help For Heroes. It was here that he found a recovery tool that would end up being an integral part of his life.

Patrick had previously played cricket before he joined the Army, for Bugle in Cornwall. The course gave him a spark that would lead to so many experiences and enlightenment.

He went on to play cricket for the Help For Heroes cricket team, representing them at the Cricket for Heroes game held at The Oval in London. However, he wanted to be able to play more cricket whilst he was at home in Plymouth. At a training session with Devon Disability Cricket, he was approached by one of the coaches who invited him to a training session to meet the guys and girls of Yelverton Bohemians Cricket Club.

Given some of Patrick’s mental health problems, he finds it extremely hard to feel safe in certain environments. This club was the perfect fit for him and he threw himself into the winter training sessions. With the help of the Bohemians chairman, Geoff Willcocks, and the vice-chairman, Chris Pearson, Patrick was allowed to play with his able bodied teammates.

Club chairman Geoff Willcocks said: ‘Yelverton Bohemians got in touch with the Devon Cricket Board to request dispensation for Patrick to use a runner while he batted due to his disability which was subsequently granted. This allowed him to be integrated in the team, fielding in the slips and occasionally bowling off a very short run up.

‘His “can do” attitude is an inspiration to other players particularly the youngsters learning the game. We are extremely lucky to have that he has chosen to enjoy is cricket at our club.’

Working alongside Chris Cottrell, they hope to enable the younger players to find their love for the game.

Patrick said: ‘It’s a great chance to help the new breed of cricketers coming through Yelverton’s brilliant colt system. I also hope to make it fun and enjoyable for all that are playing for the thirds.

‘One of the main things is that one person doesn’t make the team, and my time in the Army taught me that. You have many members that have different experiences and outlooks within a situation. This means that everybody’s views will always be taken into account regardless of age. That’s how I see a successful team working.’

Patrick hopes that people will be able to see that regardless of your ability (or disability), age, gender, or experience that Yelverton will welcome new members into the club.

Patrick added: ‘This club has done so much for me, not just from allowing me to play for such a fantastic club, but for also being a huge part of my ongoing recovery. By being allowed to play I’m in a safe environment, socialising when I wouldn’t normally be doing so. I want to be able to do as much as I can for this club that has done so much for me already.’

It’s easy to see how much this club means to Patrick as he continues to carry on with his challenging recovery pathway.

To read more about Patrick’s experiences then visit his blog at https:www.thecrippledcricketer.wordpress.com