Growing up in Liverpool, Graeme's next door neighbour was Brian Epstein who went on to manage the Beatles. In his youth, Rugby didn’t enter the sporting sphere and, “never partial to nasty wet weather” he stuck to indoor sports: basketball at school and squash at university.
Graeme once claimed he’d never made a decision in his life, ranging from becoming a doctor, then leaving a Wirral hospital to take up Widnes general practice in the 1960s and buying a house on Coroners Lane – all through recommendations.
Having experienced problems crossing the bridge to play squash in Runcorn three times a week, another recommendation brought him to the Wids. After one mid-day game, Peter Barrow suggested he might enjoy watching the Rugby on a Saturday afternoon, adding that it would be handy if he brought along his first aid bag. This was the start of a long and memorable association.
Graeme became Honorary Club Doctor in 1980, Committee man from 1995 to 1999 and President from 2000 to 2002. As well as repairing players on the Rugby field, he was also called on to perform repairs to the squash courts with hair-raising stories that are better left unwritten. He suffered at least three injuries playing squash which he largely put down to selecting the wrong regular opponent.
If required, Graeme was happy to give medical assistance to Wids’ opposition. Fifteen stitches re-attached a Blackburn player’s ear and successful manipulation of a nasty dislocated elbow at Caldy earned him free beer on every subsequent visit. His agreeable nature also encouraged individuals to seek impromptu health advice in the Wids clubhouse.
An enthusiastic fund-raiser and prominent member of Rainhill Round table, Graeme could often be relied on to help out at the annual beer festival as a barman, ticket-seller or both.
Widnes RUFC Clubman of the Year in 1991, Dr McGregor will be missed by us all. Our condolences to his family..