Young Stag At BBC Midlands Sport Awards
Thanks to BBC Midlands Today for the use of the above image
Click here for Mickeys Radio Interview with Jim Hawkins from Radio Shropshire (898kb wav file)
Thanks to Radio Shropshire and James Bond for the use of the recording.
Mickey Bushell was invited to the BBC West Midlands sporting personality of the year
awards held at the Belfry Golf Course. He had been nominated by his Nan for the Disability
award, and although Mickey did not make the top three for the award, he had a big surprise waiting
for him; he was awarded with a cheque for £2.200.00 by The Lady Taverners for a new racing chair.
The charity supports young people with disabilities in their chosen sports, and the president of the
charity is the former England Captain lady cricketer Rachael Hey-Hoe Flint M.B.E.
The night started with a few drinks in the foyer, mixing with different famous people and other
nominees. We all entered into the room where the awards were taking place and were greeted by
the host who was Nick Owen of Midlands Today. After a few speeches from the nights sponsor The
Mailbox, we were introduced to the world record holder for football skills Rob Walters. He
appeared in the Nike TV advert with Brazilian star Renaldo; he showed off his skills on stage before
we began tucking into a very nice three-course meal.
Half way through the awards Rachael was asked to get up on stage to present the Disability award,
this was won by Lee Pearson, for his outstanding achievements in the equestrian national
championships for non-disabled competitors, he was the first ever person with a disability to take
part in the championships, and in the process gained a gold medal. Shortly after, Mickey was
called up on stage to receive his cheque. Nick Owen asked him a few questions but he couldn't
answer he was so shocked; and his proud dad answered them for him!
Mickey met lots of people that night, the likes of, former Wolves striker Steve Bull, World darts champion Phil THE POWER Taylor and Birmingham City FC co owner David Gold, Mr Gold was
trying his best for Mickey to be a blue nose, but he wasn't having any of it! But I think he swaying
towards being a wolves fan because they helped with the funds towards his new racing chair.
We all had a very enjoyable evening, Mickey and family would like to take this opportunity to thank
Rachel HeyHoe Flint and The Lady Taveners for providing him with a cheque and being able to now have
his own custom built race chair.
Paul Hunt
7th December 2003