Steve bowled over as friends’ fundraising campaign keeps his World Championships dream alive

Friends have rallied around after blind lawn bowls player Steve Cook had given up hope of competing in next year’s Visually Impaired World Bowls Championships in South Africa when he was selected to represent England but was told he’d have to pay all his costs – and that of his guide.

Devonport-born Steve, who now lives in Saltash, has been national champion three times in the past six years. He has just beaten the current World Champion on his home turf in Israel and is one of the favourites to win his category at the World Championships in Cape Town in March.

But it seemed as though his chance of taking part had been dashed because of the lack of funding for the sport: “I found out I was selected for the England team in the middle of July,” said Steve, who’s a member of the Saltash Lawn Bowls Club.

“The only problem is that it will cost getting on for £4,000 to pay for me and my guide to go to Cape Town. I went to my bank and asked for a loan and when they said ‘no’ I thought ‘that’s it then, I can’t go’.”

When he told friends, however, they immediately launched a fundraising campaign: “After the meeting with the bank I went to the Chancel Wine Bar & Bistro in Plymouth, where I’ve got to know the owners very well. I was very despondent but they said ‘no, let’s sort this out, let’s make sure you get to Cape Town’.”

The Chancel owners, Jamie and Paula MacLeod-Johnstone, have set up a Crowdfunding page for Steve and they’re hosting a fundraising quiz night on 30 August to help kick-start the campaign. Paula said: “It’s ridiculous in this day and age that someone with world class ability is hindered for fiscal reasons.

“With the support of local people we’re hopeful of reaching the £4,000 target before the December deadline, which is when Steve needs to be able to confirm his participation.”

Steve lost all of his sight at the age of five when he had a brain tumour which led to the removal of his optic nerve. He competes in the B1 Completely Unsighted category and, if the money is raised in time, he will be playing in the singles and mixed doubles.

Steve started playing bowls in 2007 but didn’t compete seriously until his first National Championships in 2011, which he won. He won again in 2012 and 2015. He came 5th in the last World Championships in 2013, when they were held in England.

He is assisted by a guide, who directs him vocally. Steve explained: “The director guides me on distance and direction, so if he says ‘6 o’clock’ for example, it means I’m short and ‘3 o’clock’ means I’m right of where I should be bowling.”

One of Steve’s biggest supporters is Roger Garratt, who has known Steve for over a decade and looks after his guide dog when he’s away: “It seems very unfair that some sports are this badly under-funded,” said Roger. “For Steve to be told ‘it’s up to you’ isn’t on really. He was very down when he came into the Chancel after his meeting.

“When you watch Steve, it’s incredible,” added Roger, who knows all about fundraising in his capacity on the Board of Trustees of the Royal British Legion. “He’s better than most sighted players and he deserves this chance to compete at the highest level.”

This year Steve has also taken up bowling of a different kind after joining Somerset Cricket Club’s Visually Impaired team as a medium-pace bowler: “It’s great fun, totally different to able bodied cricket, obviously. The players have varying degrees of visual impairment and I’m guided by the wicket-keeper. I’m really enjoying it.”

Steve’s main target, however, remains the trip to Cape Town in March.

During winter months Steve trains indoor at the Plymouth Life Centre and he’s hoping to get support there for a 24-hour bowling marathon fundraiser. In the meantime, he’s grateful to his friends and supporters for giving him fresh hope.

“I’m very optimistic of raising the money by 31st December now because people are being so enthusiastic and supportive. This is the chance of a lifetime for me and I’ll be giving it my best shot.”

https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/TheChancelSupportingSteve