IT was a big night for me last Friday as I launched my benefit year in front of some very distinguished guests. And I was delighted when none other than Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Notts County director of football, was among those at the River Crescent, Colwick Park. I had a chat with Sven and he was asking me why all us bowlers were so tall and he was showing me his best bowling action – even though I'm not sure they play that much cricket in Sweden!

He came across as a really nice guy and took an interest in what we were talking about.

Everyone kept ringing me up asking if they could have their picture taken with Sven and he was only too pleased to pose with all the England and Notts cricket lads.

Of course, Broady (Stuart Broad) and I made sure we were at the front of that particular queue!

I've said before that I realise how lucky you are when in professional sport that you get to meet such people.

Sven is someone who is recognisable not just across the country but across the world as well.

I was just as grateful for the support I got from a host of other people as well.

Charlie Shreck, Mark Wagh, Chris Read, Graeme Swann and director of cricket Mick Newell were among those there from Notts, while England player Ian Bell also came to support me.

But it was the fact people came from other sports – including Nottingham Rugby captain Craig Hammond – and other walks of life were there to back me that was so pleasing.

I also want to thank The Cheese Shop for supporting the event.

I had a question and answer session hosted by Radio Nottingham's Colin Hazelden, which I was quite nervous about, but it went well.

It wasn't so much questions about the cricket but other stuff and, encouragingly, there was a lot of interest in the two organisations I am trying to help – the RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Shelter Trust and my own Little Siddy Trust, which raises money for local hospices.

To know that people are firmly behind those two worthwhile causes is great to know – and I hope that same kind of support carries on through the rest of the year.