GHA Under-18s raise more than quadruple their target in support of team-mate

GHA’S Under-18s team have already raised more than quadruple their £1,000 fund-raising target for a sponsored head shave last weekend in support of their team-mate Dan Oliver who is battling against AML (acute myeloid leukaemia). The cash raised will go to the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre on Great Western Road in Glasgow, where Dan has been staying for his treatment.

At the time of publication [4.19pm on Wednesday afternoon], the total raised was £4,115.37.

“Our Under-18 squad are an outstanding group of young men, exemplified by the way in which they have supported their teammate Dan as he goes through his treatment,” said GHA’s Director of Rugby Rangi Jericevich. “As a club we are incredibly proud of them all and their efforts in raising over £4,000 in less than a week for the Beatson Cancer Charity who are providing support to Dan and his family.

James and Rory are first up!!??

Donate now at: https://t.co/mGZG64oMNE@Beatson_Charity #GHARugby #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/Bps7z6ULFn

— GHA Rugby (@GHArugby) March 14, 2020

The squad were due to play Jed-Thistle in the National Youth League Cup Final at Murrayfield the Sunday [22nd March], but that has now been put on cold ice due to the suspension of all rugby due to the Covid-19 crisis.

“That will be a big frustration for the squad but they have already shown the sort of maturity which makes me confident that they will take the set-back in their stride and bounce back whenever they get a chance to return the field,” added Jericevich.

The Beatson, which rivals Europe’s top cancer hospitals in terms of facilities and equipment, provides West of Scotland cancer patients and staff with the most cutting-edge equipment, treatments and surroundings to fight cancer. It also offers a range of complementary therapies to help relax patients and provide relief from pain, insomnia, nausea, phobia and anxiety. Key to the design of the Beatson is the creation of a calm, relaxing and therapeutic environment for patients to improve their well-being and enhance their recuperation.

“As a result of my treatment I get pretty tired and it takes a while to recover, however, once recovered, The Beatson provides many different things to support people in similar situations to myself, such as a wellbeing centre which provides complementary therapy if you want it,” said Oliver, on the JustGiving page which has been set up for the head shave.  “There’s also a Teenage Cancer Trust lounge which is accessible just for the patients aged 16-24, which has got things like a pool table, PlayStation and a TV with Sky and BT.”

• To donate to GHA Under-18s’ first giving page in support of team-mate Dan Oliver, click HERE.

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