Wallabies Fan Fulfils Dream In His Final Days

Guy Grinham had one item at the top of his bucket list – to see the Wallabies play at a World Cup.

On Saturday, he ticked that off the list.

Adam Ashley-Cooper, who grew up playing rugby with him on the Central Coast, visited a day before the Wales clash but it appeared the bed-ridden Grinham would be unable to attend the game due to difficult logistics.

But after contact between the Wallabies, World Rugby and Twickenham on match eve, World Rugby organised for a private box and ambulance transfers so Grinham could still go and watch.

The Wallabies won in a thriller and in a touching gesture, Ashley-Cooper leapt into the crowd after the whistle and climbed around 100 stairs in his boots and playing kit to go and visit his friend.

Unfortunately he passed away with family by his side three days later. Grinham is survived by wife Tenille and children Charlie and Collette.

He got to the Welsh game and we won and after the game I just jumped the fence and ran up and hugged it out with him and his family. It was a special moment, it was emotional but the smile on his face, I will never forget it,” Ashley-Cooper said.

It’s so sad but I am very proud that we were able to put on that performance for him. I told him I would be playing for him and to win the way we did, and knowing he was there, it was really special.”

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika learned of Grinham’s story from Ashley-Cooper and asked the winger to share it with the team.

“Cheik got us together this morning and asked to take a moment in silence and to really think about a bloke who was suffering so much, and yet on his bucket list was to come over and watch us play, and just the fight that he had to go through to get to the game,” Ashley-Cooper said.

“It was a moment for us to not only to wish him a safe passage to where he now rests but to also realise how lucky we all are. We offer our sincerest condolences to all Guy’s family, friends and loved ones. I know he’ll be missed.”