Gary Andrews, an animator who has directed Fireman Sam and illustrated for Disney, has created East Grinstead Rugby Football Club (EGRFC) a very special bespoke animal cartoon rugby mural to brighten up the club’s Junior Clubhouse, in aid of UK Sepsis Trust.

The local artist from Horley, Surrey, started work on his design last month (November 2018), and within days had finished a cheeky funny comic wall scene. All dressed in EGRFC blue shirts, there are many different characters within the cartoon scene, which includes an alert meerkat, a galloping giraffe, a fearless lion, a patient vulture, a relaxed elephant, a speedy mouse, cheeky monkeys and determined rhino’s, all having fun playing rugby.

At the heart of any rugby club is its clubhouse, it’s the important connection between supporters, players and the rugby and EGRFC are fortunate to have two. They wanted to brighten up an area used by their junior members and were delighted that Gary agreed to help them. They knew that they wanted something that would engage the children, and reinforce creativity, awareness, resilience, decision making and self-organisation. All priority skills for helping develop the next generation of players both on and off the pitch.

Gary Andrews said: ‘From the beginning, I knew what direction to take. Children connect with animals, it was a lovely challenge. I wanted to draw it in line art as I did not want it to feel like a hospital waiting area mural. I really hope that the children will love the characters and bring them to life in their own special way’.

Paul Nix, Junior Chairman, EGRFC said: ‘The Junior Clubhouse was the vision of the late Steve Cairns, a pillar of EGRFC and president from 2004-2012. We are sure Steve would love the fun, determination and message perfectly illustrated by Gary. This wonderful gift from Gary will help to perpetuate Steve’s legacy to our junior section and along with donations from local organisations our planned enhancements and repairs to this club house will help Steve’s memory live long into the club’s history.’

‘As a community club we wanted to raise public awareness about sepsis, and to support Gary’s amazing fund-raising efforts. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of personal stories from sepsis survivors and those who, tragically, have lost a loved one.’ Paul added.

EGRFC would like to sincerely thank Gary Andrews for all his support and creativity on this project and thank Rex Whittaker, our East Grinstead Mayor and long standing active member of the club, who presented the Big Reveal at the Juniors Christmas Party last Sunday, 16 December.

Gary Andrews Story
How a doodle a day helped me survive first year without my wife

A former Disney Animator has laid bare the realities of life as a widower in a series of heart wrenching drawings. When Gary Andrews, 57, began doing a Doodle Diary on his 54th birthday, he was a happily married man with a wife and two children he adored.

While away on a work trip to Canada, Gary's wife Joy fell ill with what they thought was a simple flu. However, it soon became apparent that it was much more serious than that, and Gary rushed home to be near his beloved. On arrival back in the UK he received the devastating news: Joy had passed away from Sepsis.

Gary said: 'Joy had been my soulmate for 19 years. She was beautiful, kind, generous and funny. We did everything together. When I lost her, I felt half of me had gone.'

Every single day since the death of Joy, Gary has faithfully continued to sketch an enchanting “doodle diary” of poignant illustrations, charting the daily challenges, good, bad, funny, angry or sad, he and his two children have faced, Lily, 11 and Ben, 8. He now hopes to publish this book to raise money for the UK Sepsis Trust, to raise awareness of the disease.

‘Doing my doodles is like my form of therapy. “It helps me come to terms with what has happened, and the fact Joy has gone. I draw the realities of what it’s like to suddenly become a single dad and it helps me to talk about what’s happened with my children. I have had an incredible reaction to my work – I am so fortunate to be able to write things, draw things, that relates to something happening in their life which maybe they haven’t been able to articulate. People struggling with grief are not alone and I hope that my drawings bring families some comfort’ Gary said.

Gary has more than 52,000 followers on Twitter - @GaryScribbler . Read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45893376

Photo: The Big Reveal – Gary Andrews with his children, Paul Nix, EGRFC Junior Chairman & Rex Whittaker, East Grinstead Mayor

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is triggered by infections but is actually a problem with our own immune system going into overdrive. As the condition develops, symptoms may worsen and some more distinctive warning signs or "red flags" can emerge.

HOW TO SPOT SEPSIS IN ADULTS
Seek medical help urgently if you (or another adult) develop any of these signs:

Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle plain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you are going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured

HOW TO SPOT SEPSIS IN CHILDREN
If your child is unwell with either a fever or a very low temperature (or has had a fever in the last 24 hours), call 999 and just ask: could it be sepsis?

A child may have sepsis if he or she:
1. Is breathing very fast
2. Has a ‘fit’ or convulsion
3. Looks mottled, bluish or pale
4. Has a rash that does not fade when you press it
5. Is very lethargic or difficult to wake
6. Feels abnormally cold to touch

A CHILD UNDER 5 MAY HAVE SEPSIS IF HE OR SHE:
1. Is not feeding
2. Is vomiting repeatedly
3. Has not passed urine for 12

For more information about Sepsis – visit www.sepsistrust.org.

For all media enquiries please contact: Milly O’Ryan, East Grinstead Rugby Football Club, milly@egrfc.com, 01342 322338.