Wales says it with flowers to Shaun's mum

Mar 23 2008 by Sarah Manners, Wales On Sunday

SHAUN Edwards’ mum prayed for Wales not just during the Six Nations opener against England – but during their entire Grand Slam campaign.

Phyllis, a devout Catholic, says: “I always support Shaun and what he’s doing.

“When Wales were losing to England, I went to Gidlow Cemetery, locked myself in and said a few prayers to Shaun’s brother, who died in a road crash five years ago.

“It was pitch black and cold, but I went to his grave and said, ‘Come on Billy Joe, get on that pitch and give Wales a hand!’

“And I didn’t just do it during the England game, I did it during every Wales match in this year’s Six Nations – except the last one when I was down in Cardiff watching it in the stadium.”

Now euphoric Welsh fans have asked Wales on Sunday to personally thank Phyllis, 64, for her prayers of divine intervention.

And what better way to express our gratitude than with a huge Easter bouquet in Wales colours.

“They’re absolutely beautiful,” said Phyllis. “Thank you so much.

“We had a lovely time when we came down to watch the match against France at the Millennium Stadium and the Welsh hospitality was brilliant.

“You all made us feel so very welcome.

“And now these lovely flowers are the icing on the cake.”

Phyllis, of Standish, Wigan, also revealed that a Welsh flag has been placed by well-wishers on the grave of Billy Joe, her younger son.

Wigan Warriors star Billy Joe died tragically at the age of just 19 in 2003.

And Phyllis goes to his graveside to pray at least once a day.

“It’s not like I think Billy Joe’ is there or anything,” said Phyllis, “but praying at his graveside just helps.

“There’s a young Welsh soldier who has been buried in the same graveyard as Billy Joe,” she adds.

“And I’m guessing it must be his family who have put the Welsh flag on Billy Joe’s grave.

“I don’t know. But whoever it is, I thank them, because anybody who does something good for your child, it means something.”

Phyllis and her husband, Jackie, 67, who played for Wigan Warriors until spinal injury forced him to retire, have supported Wales defence coach Shaun’s rugby career since he signed for Wigan on his 17th birthday.

And she revealed that Shaun’s son, James, who celebrated his 11th birthday the day after Wales secured the Grand Slam, is following in his famous father’s footsteps, playing rugby for the Wasps junior team.

“But I don’t know if he’ll be a rugby player,” says Phyllis.

“He’s very keen on all sports – we will see.”

sarah.manners@mediawales.co.uk