Have a Heart 2 : Play It Again Steve

This is Steve aged 41.

Steve fell very poorly very suddenly back in 2019 with a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. This means the left side of his heart does not work well and causes a lot of health complications. This rapidly deteriorated in to heart failure and subsequently Steve had to be listed for transplant. His health has continued to deteriorate as his lungs and organs are surrounded by excess fluid that his body builds up, leaving it difficult for him to breathe at times and severely impacts his quality of life.

Unfortunately his health deteriorated and he is now a resident of Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge while he waits for a much needed life saving heart transplant. They are managing his condition with dopamine until that precious organ becomes available.

That is what is wrong with Steve but it doesn’t tell you who he is. As despite all his struggles, and it has at times been that, he has still put 100% in to life.

I first met Steve as I was ‘volunteered’ to help out with a friends sons football team, Hykeham Tigers. I quickly got sucked in and quickly heard the stories of Steve taking over the manager position despite his condition. All so he could make sure his son Charlie could still play in a team with all his mates. He has managed this team from a wheelchair, on crutches and from a hospital bed. But why would he stop there? In the last couple of years, when perhaps he should have been slowing down, he has become the Hykeham Tigers Vice Chair, Social Media Manager and Kit Manager.

And that isn’t the half of it!

He has still worked to support countless writers and performers through editing, publishing and organising readings, shows and book tours. With this love for the English language and performing arts, much like with the grassroots football, he couldn't help himself from getting involved more and more with his daughter Imogen's community theatre production. Swiftly moving from a casual observer, to writer and finally director.

Whilst this only covers a fraction of his work I think you can see a pattern here. Steve has a love of giving back and supporting his children and community.

All in all it’s pretty clear that he’s a bit of a special person.

All through this his wife Nikki has been at his side. As a Man Utd supporter she is used to going through hardships and I don't think even Sir Alex could manage a situation as well as she has. With some help from family and friends she has worked tirelessly to keep life moving along for the Cawte's. And now, along with Charlie's girlfriend Connie, has become a full Sky Sports crew live streaming all Tigers games straight to Cambridge with colourful commentary.

So, in order to help out the Cawte clan and repay some of the debt of gratitude, in conjunction with the British Heart Foundation, we are doing another fundraising event. There will be a charity football match between a BHF XI and Steve's very own Hykeham Tigers. Managing from afar makes very little difference to the levels of his passion for this team.

The game will take place on Friday 19th April at Lincoln Moorlands Sports & Social Club, Newark Road, Lincoln with kick off scheduled for 7pm. So please come down and add to the atmosphere, enjoy a good game of football and drink. Most importantly, please make a donation.

Thank you.