St Helens Rugby League Commentary for the Visually Impaired was set up in 1958. It was originally a form of hospital radio and based at Radio Whiston at Whiston Hospital. In its early days, the service wasn’t making any money so there were talks of closing it down, however Lady Pilkington who is an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of St Helens suggested that the service remained open as a service to help blind and partially sighted fans enjoy matches.
After moving away from the hospital radio station, the service was based at St Helen’s Knowsley Road ground where it was situated for many years. It is now located at their new Langtree Park stadium. Fans who wish to use the service must be accompanied by a chaperone that would be able to help support them and find their way to where they need to go. When entering the stadium they will be given a head set where they will be able to listen to specialised commentary which will enable them to enjoy a better experience at the match and helps ensure equality. People who want to use the service should contact Geoff Ward at the club to ensure that they have a head set reserved for them to use and adequate support available.
Nowadays more blind and partially sighted fans will be able to enjoy matches thanks to a donation from St Helens Rotary Club. The club has purchased two new sets of equipment that will allow visually impaired fans to enjoy the specialised commentary and guide them through home matches. The St. Helens R.F.C. Visually Impaired Commentary Team provides running audio to fans in their seat, whilst they can soak up the match day atmosphere from seats in the South Stand.
Geoff Ward, who runs the service, said: “We currently have twenty regular members and with this kind contribution of the two new units we can ensure all will get a radio receiver.
“It means so much to the group to be a part of the ‘Saints’ family and on behalf of the entire group, I would like to say a big thank you.”
