Here at Hull City DSA, we are honoured to have Michaela Westerman running The Great North Run in our name.
Here is a Q&A with Michaela to get to know her and her son a little better.
1. What prompted you to support Hull City ?
My Grandfather was a Hull City Supporter and my uncle followed City which lead me to supporting them, I started attending some games with my Uncle when I was 13/14 then his love of rugby took over compared to football. I always kept an eye on the team but didn’t attend as much as I wanted until I reached the age of 17 and myself and my brother got two season tickets in the East Stand. We had these for 3 seasons and then he moved away to Uni. I attended adhoc games but my real passion for the club started again when I adopted my little boy. This is our third season with a season pass and we sit the South Stand.
2. Do you have an all time favourite Hull City player ?
Dean Windass is my all time favourite and my little boys is Lewie Coyle.
3. What’s your matchday routine & what challenges do you face ?
For myself I have an hearing impairment and lower back complaints which has had to be operated on in the past.
My little boy has emotional and behavioural needs and sits on the ADHD spectrum.
Challenges for myself are not always being able to hear the commentary or stewards especially in really loud environments.
The biggest challenges we face are for my little boy, Ronnie.
Our match day routine -
We need to park in Walton street car park, he doesn’t like the hospital car park because the bridge is to busy and this causes him to become anxious and scared. We then have to see the players arrive before going to the Hull city park. (West park)
When we approach the turnstiles the same gentleman has to search our bags and he has to go through the middle entrance.
Once inside it’s straight up the stairs to the ballon table then the fruit basket, where he has to take 1 apple /1 banana and 1 orange. I bring one each of these in my bag just in case there isn’t any. I also feel guilty that he takes three but he struggles with choosing.
We then make our way to our seats where he sits and eats a piece of fruit, then it’s the first trip of the game to the toliet.
If any of the above are out of sync, Ronnie will become physically upset or doesn’t settle for the game.
He is also very comfortable with his seat, changing of this can lead to Ronnie not been interested in the game, he lashes out and can become angry.
During the match itself Ronnie concentrates well for around 5/10 minutes we usually focus on the colour boots the different players wear.
After that he requires sensory input in his mouth where we make are way through snacks & drinks and he likes to move around.
Sometimes he will play on his iPad to regulate him. It’s hard for others to understand this and looks as if Ronnie is not interested in the game but it’s all he talks about on the way home.
Once the game has finished we like to applaud the players and stand on the wall allowing the stadium to empty and then we leave
4. What prompted you to enter the Great North Run ?
I’ve set myself various running challenges since taking up running after my back operation, I wanted to get fit and found running helped both physically and mentally.
I then took a break from that whilst undergoing the process of adopting my little boy, I then started setting myself challenges again.
I completed the Hull 10k this year raising money for Tigers Trust, I’ve always wanted to complete a half marathon and secured a place in the great north run.
Training has been difficult to fit in with a full time jobs and a little one but try and get out during my lunch hours and we complete park runs together.
5. Why did you choose to raise funds for the Hull City DSA ?
I have chose Hull City DSA as I’m really passionate about giving everyone a fair opportunity to watch and enjoy football safely. I’m passionate about diversity and inclusion.
6 Is there anything you’d change ?
If I could change anything about football it would be to widen people’s knowledge and understanding of different disabilities. I struggle sometimes with the behaviour that Ronnie displays and people look as if to say why does he even come.
My match day experience has improved massively, seeing the things that have been introduced to help supporters is great. I do feel there is a lot more support available to us.
If you would to donate to Michaela’s Great North Run, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/michaela-westermanhulldsa?utm_term=YnaxawZ84
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