Sheffield Eagles

Abide With Me has always been synonymous with the Challenge Cup. I was brought up in Birmingham and the only Rugby League I was able to watch was the Challenge Cup on the BBC.

I started following Sheffield Eagles in the early 1990s aged 12 when my dad worked in the city and bought me a badge. I never dreamt of going to Wembley to support them. My dad and I would trek up and down the M1 to watch them, often coming home disappointed after another defeat to a bigger team. We never gave up hope of seeing them win a big game!

In 1998 the seemingly impossible happened, Sheffield rode their luck and reached Wembley. It was the most memorable day of my life. We went down to Wembley more in hope than anything, with Wigan fans telling us to enjoy our day out. I remember almost every play of the game, and the sheer disbelief as the impossible became probable during the game. At the final whistle we were dancing on the seats, tears in my eyes, sharing joy with fellow fans who never believed this would happen!

We fell in love with the Challenge Cup that day; it is truly the most magical competition in sport. We have visited many cup finals in the years after, sadly Sheffield have failed to reach the heights of that day. My Gran would always sit at home and watch the whole coverage, determined to see if we would be on television and to then discuss the game, she sadly died this year at 91 years old. It would be a dream to sing at Wembley in honour of her memory and to remember that day in 1998, which made me realise that you can achieve your dreams!