Jamie Carragher backs his pal Jamie Burdekin for gold in China
Aug 15 2008
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL star Jamie Carragher is hoping one of his life-long friends will bring back a gold medal from Beijing.
Bootle-born tennis player Jamie Burdekin, 28, who broke his neck in a car accident on Derby Road in 2000, will compete in the Paralympics in September.
The Reds defender, who has been friends with Mr Burdekin since their schooldays, said: “We are all wanting Jamie to win. He is one of the best in the world at his game and we all want him to bring back a medal.”
Jamie, who owns the Cafe Sports England restaurant in Liverpool city centre, added: “If he brings back a medal I will put up a picture of him. He has a massive chance and I’ll be watching him on the telly.”
He dropped in on one of Mr Burdekin’s training sessions at Blundellsands tennis club to wish him good luck.
Mr Burdekin said: “It’s great that Jamie can come down to show his support. My mates are also encouraging me. It’s fantastic.”
He took up the sport four years ago, when he was approached by Paralympian Mark Eccleston, who persuaded him to play tennis and he is currently the world’s 10th seed in the sport and wants to bring home at least one gold medal “to show my little boy Charlie.”
He said: “Without my family, I would not be able to do this. With my mother, brothers and sister and my partner Kelly, I can.
“The Olympics is the pinnacle of your career and I like playing in front of big crowds.”
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