A heartfelt gesture by a top Cumbrian athlete to help a toddler in his fight against a rare cancer has raised an impressive sum.
Hammer thrower Nick Miller donated the vest he wore when winning Commonwealth Games gold last year to raise money in support of brave Oliver Lancaster.
A prize draw raised £1,505 to be shared by three charities who have helped Oliver and his family during the youngster’s battle with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma.
And the winner of Miller’s signed and framed vest says she is delighted to have been picked out of the prize draw – and honoured to support such an important cause.
It was won by Kathy Slouber, from Nevada City, California, who is herself an experienced athlete in throwing events.
She entered the draw, which offered tickets for £5, and was thrilled to win the vest.
Kathy told the News & Star: “Nick Miller is a very compassionate person who has generously donated his Commonwealth singlet for a wonderful cause – Team Oliver.
“As an elite thrower, he knows the importance of a team.
“As with fighting cancer, great athletes are raised by a team of people and supporters. He has chosen to be part of the team helping Oliver to fight cancer.
“I was honoured to donate for this very important cause to back my friend of five years in the area that is important to him.
“Lucky girl here to have my name chosen to receive Nick’s singlet, flag and signed picture of his win in the Commonwealth Games.
“As a Master thrower and lucky enough to watch Nick throw, I see the dedication he has when he commits to a goal.
“I will hang this framed collection from Nick proudly in my home and remember what a fight Oliver has had fighting cancer at such a young age.”
Miller, from Scotby, won his second Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham last summer.
The 29-year-old athlete is close friends with Oliver’s dad, Michael, and said he wanted to do something to help Michael, fiancée Amie and their brave boy at a time of acute need.
“Michael’s been a friend of mine since we were young, and when I saw they were trying to raise money, I thought I could use my position and what I’ve done to try and help support them,” said.
“As soon as I finished the Commonwealth Games, I told him I wanted to do this with my vest.
“He said, ‘Don’t be silly, you keep it’ – and I said, ‘Don’t you be silly, you’re having it’. I just thought it was the right thing to do.
“The little guy’s more precious than a vest, right? I thought it was good to try and give back.”
The charities to benefit are Children’s Cancer North, who help fund the children’s cancer wards at Newcastle RVI, Young Lives vs Cancer and Neuroblastoma UK.
Michael said of his friend’s gesture: “I think it’s amazing.
“As Nick said, no-one else has got one of these, and it’s got very sentimental value – so for him to donate it for such a worthy cause is a great thing to do.”
Miller’s vest was framed by Castle Framing in Carlisle.
Oliver’s fight touched a great many people, who rallied around the youngster’s cause to raise funds and show support through their ‘Team Oliver’ campaign.
Happily, his family announced last November that the youngster had beaten cancer.
“Oliver has handled everything he has faced like an absolute angel and will forever be our hero,” they said.
The overall charity fundraising through Team Oliver raised more than £20,000.
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