By Rachael Grealish

Egremont Rangers and Egremont Rugby Union are hosting charity events to raise money for a coach who is living with an incurable blood cancer.

Rangers is hosting ‘Footy For Kaka’ day where there will be an old v young, 11-a-side, match at Gillfoot Park, in Egremont, on December 26.

This is all in support of a former player and coach, Kevin Brown, who was diagnosed with a blood cancer, Myeloma, last year. Kevin’s cancer is, unfortunately, incurable, however, it is treatable, the team explained on the GoFundMe page – so far, over £2,000 has been raised.

Alongside the Boxing Day match, proceeds from Egremont Rugby Union’s annual Thomas Frogatt Memorial match, on December 28, will also go to Kevin.

The 40-year-old has regularly been undergoing treatment in Newcastle, but this has had a financial impact on Kevin and his family due to his sick pay running out in June, this year, meaning his only income is statutory sick pay.

Kevin told The Herdwick News he’s been ‘taken aback by the generosity of everyone’ and expressed his thanks for all the support he’s received.

“If am honest I have been taken aback by the generosity of everyone,” Kevin said, “I can’t put into words how thankful I am of both Egremont Rangers and Egremont Rugby Union for putting on these fundraising events for me and my family.

“I got diagnosed with Myeloma back in March last year and the support I have had been amazing, All I can say is thank you to everyone who is supporting all the events hopefully we all have a good time.”

Not only is Kevin an avid rugby player and coach, but is also a regular volunteer for the Egremont Crab Fair and World Gurning Championship, and even takes on the role of one of Santa’s elves each Christmas for the sleigh that travels around the Egremont area.

The Egremont Ranger Boxing Day charity match kicks off at 11am on December 26 and tickets are priced at £10 per player and £5 for supporters.

Egremont Rugby Union’s Thomas Frogatt Memorial match takes place on December 28, kicking off at 1.30pm when the Bulls will face off against the Sharks. Entertainment will be provided by the acoustic duo, US-2, from 5:30pm.