Coming to a (black and white) TV and greyhound track near you, Brentford Penguins.
It will be memorable.
It was while greyhound owner Mark Burridge was wearing his commentator’s hat at premier league club Brentford that he first heard about the Brentford Penguins. His co-commentator was former player Allan Cockram, a stylish midfielder who had struggled in his post-playing career.
Mark said: “Allan is such a lovely guy and he told me about his work with a group of kids with Downs syndrome to see if they could creates a football team, the Brentford Penguins. I knew nothing at all about Downs but to hear Allan talk about how the kids had turned his life around was so touching.
“They had produced a film called the Mighty Penguins and Allan invited me to the premiere. It blew me away. It was a most incredible film that pressed every button. You wanted to laugh at some bits, but shed a tear at others. Powerful! Everybody came away from the screening with a huge smile”
Mark got to meet some of the kids and parents afterwards and was impressed by their kindness and enthusiasm. By lucky coincidence, he was planning to buy a new pup on behalf of the Fans Bee United syndicate, and an idea occured to him.
Mark said: “Sean Flaherty had a very good brood bitch, Attention Seeker, who we had had a very good dog out of previously, Mister Brentford. This would be her last litter. I told Sean about the charity and he said he thought this young pup would be exactly what we would want to run at Oxford to represent the Brentford Penguins.
“We had already decided to call him Brentfordpenguin, which just scrapes in on the 16 letter limit. But as soon as I saw him, I knew it was meant to be. He is a white and black penguin with the biggest paws you have ever seen in your life. Really happy feet.”
Chez Dartnall putting on a spread for some hungry Penguins
The March puppy has had six races to date for Matt Dartnall and has already won his first open.
Mark said: “We gave a share to the Penguins and they have been watching him on the TV when he has raced. There was great excitement when he won, and they get to keep the trophy (which was by lucky coincidence, a little enhanced care of Burridge Trophies – Ed)
“They were all desperate to meet the Penguin and Matt and Terry laid on a special event at the weekend for them to come along. The weather was atrocious and we could only really cater for around 20 of the kids, carers and parents, roughly half of the total.
“But the Dartnalls really pushed the boat out. They were incredible with their welcome and the spread they put on. I took along a couple of our ex-racers too and the kids stroked them and walked them.
“Allan has always emphasised how important it is that these kids have life experiences and this was exactly that. They loved it.
“I can’t tell you how lovely those kids are. Like most people, you tend to think about their condition rather than them as individuals. Then you get to know them, and they are the most loving wonderful happy kids you can imagine.
“Since Allan formed the Penguins, the parents have got to know each other and there is such a lovely bond. Every time they play, there are at least 80 people there to cheer them on.”
Brentfordpenguin, some Penguins and their trophy
The canine Brentfordpenguin has been entered for an Oxford open this Saturday.
Mark said: “The plan is to get them all along for a meeting in the next few weeks. It promises to be quite a night. We are also going to arrange a second visit to the Dartnalls for the rest of the kids who couldn’t be accommodated on Sunday.
“Mighty Penguins will soon be coming onto national TV and I promise you, it will be a sensation. It is being nominated for some massive awards.
“But this has been such a tremendous story already. Allan will tell you ‘I need these kids in my life’ and his plan is to eventually create a foundation.
“For me, it has been an absolute privilege. I have met so many lovely people and hopefully Brentfordpenguin can keep the story going.”
To find out more about Allan Cockram and the Brentford Pengins, check out this fabulous article written by the Guardian’s Donald McRae.
Terry Dartnall dresses up for the occasion.
Mark said: “Terry has this reputation for having a go at racing managers and generally being a grumpy old sod. But he does so much for charity, time and money, that nobody ever gets to hear about. He regularly dresses up as Father Christman for other charity events but never mentions it. Deep down he is just so kind hearted.”
(In order not to ruin TD’s grumpy old sod personna – we won’t mention it ? – Ed)
