By Anthony Probert | posted on May 10, 2018
NINE-year-old cricket tragics Luke and Jesse Wilson almost missed out on the chance to meet one of their cricket heroes when he came to town last week.
Although you wouldn’t pick it from their boundless energy, the identical twins are both double liver transplant recipients – their suppressed immune system meant they were unable to risk an in-store meet and greet at Maccas with Adam Gilchrist due to the risk of catching a cold from anyone in the crowd of fellow cricket nuts.
Gilchrist was in town to headline a fundraising gig for Ronald McDonald House – a charity the Wilsons have leant on during their countless trips to Perth for the boys.
After hearing the boys’ plight and their close link with Ronald McDonald House, the world’s best ever wicket-keeper batsman had no hesitation in coming to the rescue.
He headed straight for an exclusive net session with the twins moments after touching down in Albany on Friday afternoon.
Sporting their favourite Perth Scorchers shirts and smiles that barely fit on their faces, the twins laid claim to perhaps being the only cricketers in this neck of the woods to have stood at first slip next to “Gilly”.
The cricketing legend was simply bowled over by the twins’ story as he spent time with Kylie and Jason Wilson and the twins’ sisters Ellie and Willow in between stints in the nets.
“These guys are so amazing and energetic,” Gilchrist said.
“The story of these two boys is unfortunately one of many similar stories in the [Ronald McDonald] House, but it’s looking like it’s a really positive story for them personally and as a family.
“It’s great that the House has been able to help in their journey.”
Despite a hectic nine months putting their stamp on their new franchise, McDonald’s Albany owners Darren and Tracey Tyrrell hosted the fundraising dinner at Motel Le Grande and said they were extremely grateful for the community’s support.
The event raised more than $40,000 through ticket sales and an auction of donated items.
In the nets, the twins held up their end of the cricketing bargain, each proving the perfect accomplice to Gilly at first slip, while the other flashed the shiny new Gray Nic that was yet to be knocked in, but more than ready for a prized signature.
