James Ward, a 37-year-old father of three from North Weald, Essex, who was partially incapacitated two years ago, has made a remarkable recovery.
In July 2021, as captain of the North Weald Cricket Club in the Herts and Essex Border League, Ward dove to stop a ball while fielding, but subsequently felt increasingly disoriented. In the end, it was determined that he had two herniated discs in his neck that were pressing against his spinal cord.
Ward underwent surgery to have the two bones replaced with plastic discs; as a consequence, he regained sensation in his legs the following morning.
Ward was given the green light to return to the field after recuperating strength through gym and pool workouts. He played in both the Saturday and Sunday matches for North Weald, where his 13-year-old son also claimed his first wicket.
Regarding his return, Ward remarked, “To have people say on Sunday ‘it’s like you’ve never been away’ is an amazing feeling, and I’m so grateful to the game, my friends, my family, and the club.”
The world has been inspired by the amateur cricketer James Ward’s remarkable comeback story. Two years after sustaining a life-altering injury, Ward defied all odds to return to the pitch this weekend.
His return to cricket began in November 2021, when he underwent neck surgery to remove two herniated discs. Last week, he was given the all-clear to return to play after extensive rehabilitation.
Saturday, Ward contributed to North Weald’s nine-wicket victory over Thaxted Cricket Club, and Sunday, he played a role in their 36-run victory over North Enfield Cricket Club. During the contests, his 13-year-old son also claimed his first wicket.
Ward remarked upon his return, “It felt like I had never left… To hear on Sunday that ‘it’s like you’ve never been away’ is an incredible sensation, and I am so appreciative to the game, my friends, my family, and the club.”
The story of James Ward has captivated individuals from all over the world. Despite being told he would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, Ward has made a miraculous recovery and now hopes to be reselected for this weekend’s competitions.
