Brave Adam beats cancer and nets £15k charity goal
A KEEN footballer diagnosed with cancer just weeks after a successful trophy winning season has spoken of his relief at being given the all-clear.
And to mark his recovery Adam Wright has handed over almost £15,000 to support fellow young sufferers of the illness.
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HOSPITAL SUPPORTERS: From left, Adam's teammate Ryan Smith, relative Owen Wright, aged 10, Gordan Banks, Adam Wright, childrens' oncolology support nurse Kelly Walters, Adam's dad Ian Wright, relative Declan Wright, aged 12, and friend and fellow fundraiser Paul Barnes. Picture: Neil Hulse
Yesterday the 21-year-old window fitter, of Stockton Brook, visited the University Hospital of North Staffordshire to hand over the money which has been raised by friends and family.
Adam, who plays for both Hanley Town and Baddeley Green Workingmen's Club, said: "I have always thought that there is someone worse off than me and I am glad we have been able to help."
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The keen footballer was joined for the special presentation by World Cup winner Gordon Banks, who applauded Adam's efforts.
The Stoke City legend, an ardent supporter of the hospital, said: "It is incredible to see the amount that Adam has raised after everything that he has been through.
"Not many people would set out to raise money after receiving such news." In May medics discovered a tumour behind Adam's nose and he was give treatment.
Friends, relatives and team-mates held a series of fund-raisers to help support him, but Adam asked for the cash to be saved up and given to charity.
The money – raised through charity gigs along with football and cricket matches – has been divided between the UHNS's children's oncology department, which has received almost £10,000 with the hospital's PET/CT Scanner Appeal and the Teenager Cancer Trust receiving £500 and £5,300 respectively.
More than £5,000 of the cash came from finance firm St James's Place Wealth Management's foundation matching scheme, where Adam's dad Ian, is a partner.
Ian, aged 44, said: "Adam's friends wanted to do something to support him as he couldn't carry on working but he was a little too proud."
For Adam the next step is to resume playing football and return to work after medics gave him the all-clear in November.
He had starred in Town's second team, which won the Staffordshire County Senior League Division One title. He also won both the Potteries and District Sunday League Premier Division and the PDSL Cup with Baddeley Green.
He said: "Before I was diagnosed I thought I had a cold as my nose was blocked. I had some tests done and then got a call from the hospital saying they needed to see me straight away. When they told me I was in shock."
Weeks after being given the all-clear Adam proposed to his girlfriend of two-years Natalie Jennison on Christmas Day. He added: "The family had a really good Christmas."
His grandfather Terry Wright, aged 69, of Hanley, a retired engineer, said: "Knowing Adam was okay was the best Christmas present I have ever had."
The money will help siblings of youngsters on the children's oncology ward enjoy weekend breaks. It was also help with other activities including the cinema club.
Rebecca Boden, a support nurse on the ward, added: "It's a phenomenal amount and we are very grateful."
Comments
by warren-lloyd
Monday, January 07 2013, 5:26AM
“Good work mate, well done. Can I just remind the local paper that SIR Gorden Banks has been knighted for two reasons 1. Bringing greatness to this country by being part of a team to win the football world cup 2. Being a bang on top man doing loads of good work to help people.”
by davidmount
Saturday, January 05 2013, 8:36PM
“Great work Adam , thanks for thinking of others.
Glad you are now clear”