15th Birthday Surprise for Olivia
My 15th Birthday Surprise at England V New Zealand Test Match
Wednesday 19th January 2011
Thanks to England Netball and Jo Collingbourne, Olivia's Mother, Olivia's dream was made a reality. Below is her eye witness report.
''When I was watching the netball match I was sitting on the edge of my chair not wanting to miss a shot, when the match ended I watched the presentation and stood up to get my coat.
Then Sam walked towards me saying 'come with me' I got really nervous and thought I was in trouble but it was far from that, I had a surprise for my Birthday to meet the England players and my idol Jo Harten.
I walked with Sam around the netball court and running through my mind what I was going to say, as soon as I stepped onto the court it made me feel like hopefully one day I would be there. I walked towards Jo Harten and I felt short for once it was amazing to meet my idol and receive a birthday card from her and the England netball squad.
I held back my tears of joy until Jo gave me the card signed by the team and she said 'Are you Olivia?' I said 'Yes' Jo then said 'We've signed a card from the team to you, Happy Birthday.' As soon as Jo said that I burst into tears of joy for meeting Jo and the team, having my photo taken with Jo is one of the biggest highlights of my life!
As I turned around Karen Atkinson said 'How old are you today?' I said '15' Karen said 'Well I hope you have had a very special day Olivia'
When Karen and the girls from England squad was standing in front of me my mind went blank! Of all the things I could have said I said 'Thank you Karen and the squad and Jo.' My head was spinning at the thought of me just meeting the team!!! As I walked away I felt like a wally because I was running through my head what I was going to say but it all went in that moment of time!
I thank you Sam and Liz so much for letting me meet my idol Jo Harten and the England squad. I will treasure the moment and I have framed the card the girls signed for me.
Thank you England Netball Squad for signing a card for me and making my birthday so so so special.
Love Livvy x''
(Olivia Collingbourne – Bears Netball Club, Essex East)