LANCASHIRE County Cricket star Gary Keedy is preparing for life after his playing career by studying to become a physiotherapist.

The 37-year-old has spent twelve weeks working in the physiotherapy department at the Royal Blackburn Hospital as part of his University of Salford degree.

The veteran left-arm spinner was invited by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust to undertake a clinical placement in acute respiratory, critical care, surgery and neurological rehabilitation.

Gary said: “My clinical experience at Royal Blackburn Hospital during the winter months has been a thoroughly enjoyable one.

“The knowledge and skills I have gained working alongside experienced professionals are invaluable to me for life beyond first class cricket as a physiotherapist.

“The professionalism, dedication and high level of skills exhibited by the staff is a credit to the service.

“Although the pressures and demands are different to those on a cricket field it was refreshing to be part of a different team who share the same values.”

Gary, who has been a Lancashire player since 1995, has served the Red Rose county with distinction.

The experienced spin bowler has taken close to 650 first-class wickets. Tracy McGlone, acting clinical director of therapies, said: “We were very pleased to have Gary spending time with us in the department.

“We are able to offer comprehensive and evidence-based training programmes for all our undergraduate and post graduate physiotherapists as we accept students from universities across the whole of the North West region.

“We provide a wide range of theoretical and practical methods which are delivered by our highly trained specialist physiotherapists.

“Gary has been able to develop his experience as part of a holistic team approach and the staff have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside him.

“The team wish him every success in the future.”