Ashley-Cooper shows his heart of gold

[Burgs]

Ashley-Cooper shows his heart of gold

Story by Sportal for the ARU
Friday, August 24, 2007 - 16:24 PM (AEST)

Wallabies back Adam Ashley-Cooper maybe flying out to the Rugby World Cup to do his best for the green and gold but he has already shown he has a heart of gold.

The Central Coast 23-year-old has been the find of the season for the Wallabies this season with his versatility in the backline and skill under pressure paving his way to France as one of John Connolly's trump cards.

But off the field Ashley-Cooper has shown is just as valuable, especially to the life of teenager Matthew Watt.

For the past eight months Ashley-Cooper has secretly provided compassionate support as Watt struggled with the illness anorexia nervosa.

His actions only became known when Matthew's mum Patricia sent a letter to the Rugby Union Players Association, telling of Ashley-Cooper incredible generous spirit and crediting the young Wallaby with giving her son the strength and determination to continue with his recovery.

"His kindness is an absolute credit to himself and to the team and country he is representing," wrote Mrs Watt. "He is an inspiration to what our young guys can become."

"I didn't expect anything and never told anyone about this," Ashley-Cooper told the Daily Telegraph before leaving for the World Cup from Sydney on Thursday.

"I never wanted any recognition, I'm a little embarrassed."

Apart from incredible personal support, Ashley-Cooper has given Watt incentives to gain weight by presenting him with a prized piece of Wallabies gear for each weight target he achieved including Stephen Larkham's jersey from last year's match with Scotland.

Watts has since recovered to be at a healthy weight and capped it off by getting back out on the rugby field with his mates in the local Central Coast rugby competition.

Ashley-Cooper surprised the family by turning up to watch Matthew run around the field.

"I don't know whether to shake your hand or cry," Mrs Watts said when she saw the good-hearted Wallaby at training.

"What Adam has done for my family, words are not enough to express. Last Saturday is a day we will never forget."

[joblot]

Wow.
Does your heart good!

[frontrow]

Double thumbs up mate...

[Evie]

Aww! That's a lovely story. Coops is always friendly at Meet the Players days as well, always willing to have a decent chat.

[Skiza]

Good on you mate!!

[Jehna]

Can someone PLEASE forward that to the following:
1. Gerard
2. Growden
3. Force1

[hopep]

AA-C just went up a notch in my esteem.
Seems the old, do good - dont be seen doing it, adage is alive and well in rugby still.

I love that a lot of pro athletes try to do stuff behind the scenes. This is the sort of story that needs printing - AN is a very insideous illness that rarely has a good outcome.

[Seldom]

Totally agree. This is the sort of stories we should hear about and see written about the game not the CRAP the Growden Writes!!!! We are trying to raise th profile not pull it down.