Six months ago our good friend Duncan Atkinson had a seizure whilst getting ready for work. He was admitted to hospital and following a CT scan, was diagnosed with a brain tumour the size of a tennis ball. In February he underwent an operation to remove part of the tumour which due to its position it cannot be fully removed.

Whilst on the operating table Duncan suffered a stroke which left him with life changing disabilities. He is now partially blind, unable to see on the right hand side of both eyes (medically known as Homonymous hemianopia). He was unable to talk and has been undergoing intensive speech therapy. He is also learning to read and write again. Further complications of the stroke include memory loss, Duncan struggles to remember family and friends names. Duncan is currently undergoing 6 weeks of radiotherapy. Following this treatment, he will complete chemotherapy for 12 months in an attempt to shrink the tumour.

Duncan’s contractual sick pay will finish in July. He will not be able to return to his role as a delivery driver due to his illness. If he is able to return to work, he is unsure as to what role and hours his employer will offer. To support Duncan and his family financially through this difficult time we are holding a fundraising event at Crosby Comrades on the 7th September 2019. Tickets are £10 and must be purchased in advance via this Just Giving page, from myself or Stuart Aitken. Doors open at 7pm and the night will include a race night, raffles, golden goals, buffet, live music, DJ and much more.

Following shares of our Just Giving page for Duncan Atkinson and his family, I was contacted by Ian Moore (brother of Stephen Moore, Duncan’s life-long friend) and his cousin, Jason Porter.

Ian and Jason want to help us achieve our target and are proposing a gruelling 314 mile cycle climbing 16,300 ft ​in just 3 days.

Their cycle will begin on the 5th September 2019 and will see the lads covering the following distances;

Day 1 – Crosby to Porthmadog - 108 miles

Day 2 – Porthmadog – Stafford - 106 miles

Day 3 – Stafford – Crosby - 100 miles

Their aim is to finish at the Crosby Comrades club during the fundraising evening.

"This is going to be a tough few days in the saddle but it's for a very worth while cause. We really appreciate how generous everyone has been so far but please dig deep so we can smash the £5,000 target" said Ian.

Please continue to support our cause by sponsoring Ian and Jason through our Just Giving page.

If you cannot make the event but would still like to contribute, please do so through our Just Giving page. Any donation will be massively appreciated!

Big Duncs Fundraiser: 7th September at Crosby Comrades, doors open at 7pm.