Posted: November 3 2025
Ron’s March to The Vatican
Events
What a few days in Rome for the Prostate Cancer Awareness XI, organised by our wonderful supporter Ron Hedley!
What started as a friendly chat between Ron and Father Eamonn O’Higgins, manager of the St Peter’s Vatican Cricket Team at Wormsley Cricket Ground turned into something truly extraordinary, a cricket tour to Rome to raise awareness of prostate cancer across the Catholic world.
In October 2025, 37 travellers, including 19 players, umpires and supporters set off for a five-night adventure in the Eternal City. The team played three matches, two against Roma Capannelle Cricket Club and one very special fixture against the St Peter’s Vatican XI on 1st November.
Katie Willis, Bob’s daughter, flew in to cheer the team on and perform the coin toss under perfect blue skies. Although the Prostate Cancer Awareness XI narrowly missed victory, they certainly won hearts raising both money and awareness for prostate cancer in the most memorable way.
The tour ended with an unforgettable experience, a private Holy Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, conducted by Father Eamonn and dedicated to Bob.
A huge thank you to Ron and Pat Hedley, Father Eamonn, Dane Kirby, Leandro and Alfonso Jayarajah for everything they did to make this possible.
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