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I was being collected at 1 p.m to go to Doncaster stadium to watch Leeds Rhinos play Castleford Tigers in the Carnegie Challenge cup semi-final, by our friends Pete, Mandy and her children Emma and Sam. We sit together at the corporate hospitality at Leeds, and they have become friends as well as business support.

As I put on my Rhinos shirt I felt a tug at the heart strings as I remembered our trip to Wembley last year.

I had never been before and Clive was so excited to share it with me. On Sunday as I put on the same T-shirt I sighed. I also found a waterproof jacket which he used to wear. I felt he was wrapped around me. As Pete drove us to Doncaster I felt excited. We had a pie and pint – my Mum will roll her eyes at me!

The game wasn’t all that thrilling. Castleford were doing a great job of defence. Even by half time there were only 2 points on the board. The second half Castleford scored and the chance of us going to Wembley was fading ..

Then minutes before full time we equalised and had to go into extra time. First to get a point won. I posted on Facebook that we needed Clive to give them a hand. Within seconds we had a penalty kick … Kevin lined up the shot ..

And with one kick we are off to Wembley! The last 10 minutes of the game I was amazed at how excited I was and tense! Mandy was amused at me! I remember seeing Clive in that state. The Leeds fans went wild. The Castleford ones were gutted. Their team had played very well.

My initial joy crashed when the fans sang ‘We are Leeds Rhinos’ – I burst into tears at how happy Clive would have been. He’d have the tickets sorted by now, the coach, everything. He would be counting the ‘sleeps’. I soon dried my eyes as I didn’t want the children upset so the smiles came back.

We came home and I made some tea for us all. It was a perfect end to a very enjoyable afternoon. However, as the evening wore on I began to feel deflated. There is no Clive to go to Wembley with. Dom may go with me but isn’t sure. Otherwise I am stuck. The people who would like to probably can’t for various reasons. I am not sure what to do except I feel I should go for both of us. So many times he would talk to the younger players at the club and inspire them to achieve one of their goals to play at Wembley. If I don’t go I feel I am letting them down too. I never appreciated the pleasure of spectating at sport before I met Clive. I don’t want my fun to die with him. Anyone free on Saturday 27th August?

I cried washing up when Pete, Mandy and the children left. I am sure that the tears will dry up one day. Tonight I feel they were for Clive missing out. Or did he indeed, ‘give them a hand’?

I am looking forward to Wednesday this week as his golf friends have organised a tournament in his memory and to raise funds for his Foundation which will help youngsters in sport.

Clive Gott Foundation Golf Day