The north-east cricket community has offered its support to international player, Con de Lange, who is battling a brain tumour.
The 37-year-old all-rounder who played in 13 ODIs for Scotland, was diagnosed 10 months ago and has undergone an operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and a clinical trial.
His wife Claire revealed the family had been shocked by the news of the illness – which came “completely out of the blue” – but they have pledged to raise as much money as possible for the Brain Tumour Charity.
Having set themselves a target of £1,000, the De Langes have already raised £7,400 and have been backed by several former teammates from the north-east.
Paceman Gordon Goudie said: “Keep fighting Con. This is a great effort, raising so much money for a very worthy cause.”
The Aberdeen-born Scotland captain, Kyle Coetzer, added: “You’re such an amazing family and we’re thinking of you all.”
And his fellow Scotland star, Matt Cross, said: “Keep fighting hard, wee man. Thinking of you, Claire and the kids.”
Mrs De Lange explained why they had decided to launch the fundraising campaign.
She said: “Con and I are usually very private people, but sometimes you need to reach out to your friends. Ten months ago, our lives were turned upside down when Con was diagnosed, completely out of the blue, with a brain tumour.
“As you can imagine, Con being the amazing, strong, kind, considerate, determined man he is, has remained positive and resilient throughout, and has only ever been concerned about me and the kids.
“And he’s fighting this all the way. With the recent loss of a good friend, we have been inspired to raise money for this charity that needs your help.
“Every year, 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour. Nobody is immune. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.”
Sarah Lindsell, the Brain Tumour Charity’s chief executive, said: “Our warmest wishes and support are with Con de Lange.
“We are so grateful that he and his wife Claire are fundraising to help us in our mission to defeat this brutal disease.
“Like Con, 31 people a day will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumour – that’s over 11,400 a year – and our five-year research strategy A Cure Can’t Wait aims to double survival within 10 years.”
If you want to help, go to
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/clairedelange