With the junior presentation taking place tomorrow, I thought this would be an appropriate time to offer an update on the situation with regard to Austin Hunter.

For anyone who is unaware, one of our Under 12s, Austin, was taken to East Surrey Hospital on the 19th of June, suffering with pain in his legs. His condition quickly deteriorated, he was placed in an induced coma and rushed to The Evelina Children’s Hospital in London where he has been ever since. Austin was diagnosed with Group A strep, rhabdomyolysis and sepsis, which was attacking his limbs and internal organs.

Austin has showed incredibly fight to still be with us, however, very sadly it has been necessary to amputate his left foot as a result of the sepsis and he remains in the Paediatric Critical Care Unit of the Evelina Hospital.

It was Austin’s 13th Birthday on Wednesday, and thankfully he was able to leave the hospital grounds for the first time since he was admitted, and, under the care of two nurses, he headed to The Oval to watch some cricket in the sunshine. A massive thank you to The Surrey Cricket Foundation, and specifically Paul Reuby, for his help in making his happen; organising parking for the ambulance on site, providing tickets and a VIP box for Austin’s family, friends and the hospital support staff, and also arranging for various Surrey players, to come and visit him throughout the day (including Gus Atkinson!).

Austin is likely to remain in The Evelina Hospital for many weeks, as he continues his recovery and then rehabilitation following the dozens of surgeries he has had over the last 3 months. I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Holly, Warwick, Georgina and of course Austin all the best during what has been an absolutely horrific few months, and we all look forward to seeing him back playing cricket in the future.