Express & Star

Memories of Wolves legend Sir Jack Hayward lead to special day

When Shirley Burton wrote to the Express & Star to share her experience of meeting Wolves legend Sir Jack Hayward, she never imagined what would happen next.

Published

Mrs Burton crossed paths with Wolverhampton's favourite son at a music concert in the 1990s when she scooped the top prize in a draw - a holiday to France - presented to her by the man himself.

Due to her disabilities however, she turned it down and was shocked to then receive a £200 cash prize instead from an anonymous donor, whose identity has always played on her mind.

Fast forward to 2015 and like many people in the area, Mrs Burton was saddened when Sir Jack died in January at the age of 91.

She dearly wanted to go to his funeral but was unable to attend, again due to her disabilities.

Baroness Heyhoe Flint presents a photograph and copy of Sir Jack Hayward's funeral order of service to Shirley Burton

Instead she chose to share her tale of meeting Sir Jack during the Civic Hall concert in a letter which she sent into the paper, questioning: 'I wonder if Sir Jack funded the prize money?'

It was read by one of Sir Jack's closest friends, Baroness Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who replied with a letter of her own, in which she quipped: 'I cannot reveal who funded the replacement prize but I expect readers could guess!'

And on top of that, Baroness Heyhoe Flint offered to take Mrs Burton round Wolves' state of the art, and aptly named new training facility, the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground. Mrs Burton enjoyed the guided tour on Monday.

She said: "It was nice meeting Rachael again. I've seen her a lot on the television but it's the first time I've met her since the concert.

After writing to each other, Baroness Heyhoe Flint presents a photograph and copy of Sir Jack Hayward's funeral order of service to Shirley Burton. Pictured also is Wolves manager Kenny Jackett

"She showed me all around the training ground including the indoor bit where I saw all the footballer's legs. I might be 79 but I can still look at all their legs.

"I did really enjoy my day. It's not as you see it on the television. "

Her trip began with meeting Wolves' manager Kenny Jackett before being shown around the Joe Gardiner Suite, named after one of Wolves' most famous players and coaches, who made 121 appearances for the club in the 1930s and 40s.

In the suite, Mrs Burton marvelled over a number of old photographs that were hanging on the wall including one of Gardiner himself.

Mrs Burton was left to reminisce over the likes of Billy Wright and Wolves' 1950-51 side, a team she remembers well from growing up in the Black Country.

Mrs Burton, aged 79, was treated to a cup of tea before heading up to the training ground's indoor facility which has the capacity of three full-sized football pitches.

While talking to Baroness Heyhoe Flint, she recalled the night she met Sir Jack. Mrs Burton still remembers her seat number at the concert to this day. It was 27 and it was the number randomly chosen out of a hat by Sir Jack.

She said: "Two air hostesses were on hand to present me with my prize but I decided not to go because of my disability. It's a bit far and Paris is a busy city - I've been before. In the end someone agreed to give me £200."

On the night, Mrs Burton, from Shareshill near Wolverhampton, was seated directly behind Baroness Heyhoe Flint who got Sir Jack to sign Mrs Burton's programme as well as escorting her to the door of her car at the end of the night.

"I couldn't believe what was happening," Mrs Burton continued. "It's not every day you get the England women's cricket captain walking you to your car. When I got home I had no idea how I had got there, I had so much adrenaline."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.