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Rugby ace Rooney shares life story

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Published Date: 17 April 2009
RUGBY star Jamie Rooney has shared a passion for family,Featherstone and sport in a new
book about his life on and off the pitch.
High Ambitions is a touching look at his son Brennan's battle with
cerebral palsy, as well as his own soaring career from junior star and
Featherstone Rovers' favourite to national RL champion.
It tackles brave Brennan's diagnosis and pioneering therapy in Germany as Jamie struggled alone back home in Featherstone.

Wakefield Wildcats' half-back Jamie and partner Erika are also now expecting another brother or sister for boys Brennan, six, and three-year-old Fletcher.
The proud dad said: "I hope people who have children with similar conditions to Brennan's can read the book and know they aren't alone, that we've been through it too.
"When Brennan was first diagnosed with cerebral palsy it was hard to take in but he has inspired us and other people to never give up.
"We are all really excited about the new baby, Erika is due in about
four weeks but it could be any day now."

Plucky Brennan took his first steps last year after months of intense treatment at a specialist German clinic – paid for by generous residents who raised a mammoth £106,000 for the life-changing therapy in just a year.
Proceeds from sales of High Ambitions will also boost the coffers of the official Brennan Rooney Appeal.

Jamie added: "Brennan is doing really well and we will keep taking
him to the clinic as long as we can pay for it and as long as he improves.
"We've had a couple of years off fundraising because we didn't want
to keep asking for money.
"But people still want to help, which is fantastic, and we are going to have a big event sometime this year.
"Everything that we do is a thank you in a way and that counts for the book, it is a thanks to all who have put such a lot of hard work, time and effort in for Brennan."

In High Ambitions, which Jamie wrote with RL journalist Phil Hodgson, he speaks of his father's early death, the importance of family and how he is "lucky to be alive" after his heart stopped for 30 seconds during routine knee surgery earlier this year.
He also touches on his love for Featherstone as a home and heart of rugby league – and how he may yet play out his days at Post Office Road.

Jamie added: "I've done a lot of interviews with Phil over the years so it was great to do this book with him, it is a look at both highs and lows.
"I talk a lot about Featherstone Rovers because it was my first professional club, it's been a big part of my life and who I am today.
"Obviously I want to keep playing at the highest level I can for as long as I can but going back there is a possibility."

Jamie will be signing copies of High Ambitions – £17.99 and published by Vertical Editions – at Featherstone Rovers on Thursday
April 30.
The signing starts at about 6pm before Rovers' televised home clash
against Halifax RLFC at 7.30pm.

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  • Last Updated: 17 April 2009 9:42 AM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Pontefract & Castleford
 
 

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