A FUNDRAISING appeal to support an Egremont dad diagnosed with cancer has raised thousands of pounds in just a few days.
Kevin Brown was diagnosed with myeloma - a type of cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow – in March and has been receiving treatment in Newcastle.
The 40-year-old is a well-known figure in the town as a committee member for Egremont Crab Fair and for his involvement with Egremont’s rugby union and rugby league clubs.
Kevin had been suffering with pain in his back before being diagnosed. An MRI scan revealed three lesions on his spine and he was then referred for further tests. While myeloma is not curable, there are a number of treatment options available.
A GoFundMe page set up by Chris Wharton, a member of the social welfare and sponsorship sub-committee at Egremont Rugby Union Club, has already topped £2,000.
Chris said: “Kevin is a big personality around Egremont. He’s represented both rugby clubs throughout his youth and at senior level. He’s on the Crab Fair committee. He’s done a lot for the town.
“He’s always been a fixture at the rugby union club. He’s just one of those faces who are always there. He’s rugby mad. I think one of the biggest things is he has had to stop playing rugby.
“He’s now gone on to statuary sick pay and the family are having not just the emotional suffering but the financial impact now. He’s got twin boys and his partner Kylie has got a boy who is 16, so he’s got a few folk to support. Not being able to work is having an effect on them.
“We decided to set up a GoFundMe and spread the word far and wide. The support has been incredible. Local teams have got involved. He’s deserving of it for all the community work he does. It’s only right that he gets the support.”
Egremont Rugby Union Club host an annual charity rugby game between Christmas and New Year in memory of Thomas Froggatt of Thornhill, who died aged 23 in 2015 after a five-year battle with an undiagnosed brain condition.
This year the money raised from the event will go to Kevin and his family. The game will take place at Egremont Rugby Union Club on December 28 at 1.30pm.
To donate, go to: www.gofundme.com/f/37gf9pbs60
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here