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Family in the frame to help brave Paul
Exclusive By Geoff Fox THE family of cancer-stricken snooker star Paul Hunter have spoken of their determination to raise funds and awareness of the rare disease after seeing him fight through the pain at the World Championships.
The 27-year-old was defeated in the first round at The Crucible in Sheffield last week – admitting immediately afterwards he would have to undergo a 16-week programme of chemnotherapy more intensive than the treatment he endured last year.
Hunter, from Upper Batley, has neuroendocrine tumours (Nets), an extremely rare form of cancer that usually occurs first in the digestive system.
So inspiring was the dad-of-one's performance that a pal organised an impromptu whip-round at The Crucible which saw several hundred pounds raised after fellow professionals, managers and supporters chipped in.
"I'm so grateful for the players' support," said Hunter. "But not just them as it was also the the general public and the supporters of snooker who also donated too."
The player's cousin, Tony Roberts, 27, together with Hunter's wife Lindsey, her sister Leanne Morris, cousin Joanne Walker and sister-in-law Tracy Smith, are taking part in the Leeds Half Marathon on May 7 .
Tony is also taking part in the Leeds' Great Student Run this Sunday and has organised a sponsored spin – an intensive form of exercise biking – at the Leeds city centre branch of LA Fitness on May 27. All the money raised will go to the The NET Patient Foundation.
"I'm really determined to get this done for Paul, said Tony. "Even my sister, who has never run in her life before, is planning on doing this."
Tony admitted it was difficult seeing his cousin play through the pain barrier at the championships, adding: "Paul is getting pains in his sides. It's quite difficult. "
Three-times Masters Champion Hunter was out of the game for six months last year as cancer specialists at Leeds's St James's Hospital tried to reduce levels of the rare form of cancer within his bloodstream.
But in November tests showed cancer levels had increased once again. Speaking last week, Hunter admitted: "I'm worse off than I was last year. This treatment is to try to stop the cancer from growing and if it works then I will have more to try to shrink it."
geoff.fox@ypn.co.uk
What you can do
To take part in the sponsored spin contact James Rufus at LA Fitness on 0113 243 3025.
Donations to the research charity can be made out to The NET Patient Foundation and sent to The Net Patient Foundation, 34, Poplar Road, Dorridge, Solihill B93 8DB. Donations can also be made at the specially designated collection point at the Northern Snooker Centre on Kirkstall Road in Leeds. Alternatively, you can contact Tony and the fundraising team at www.netpatientfoundation.com
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Friday 25 May 2012
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