Matt focused on treatment goal >vid

By [durben]

A FOOTBALL-MAD student who faces having his right leg amputated organised a tournament to raise money for his treatment.

Matt Woollias, 20, was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma earlier this year, a type of bone cancer which affects just four in one million people.

His friends and family helped organise the event which took place at Thorngumbald, with 40 players taking part, watched by 150 spectators.

Players paid to play and there were also stalls, a raffle and an auction, which raised £2,295, swelled by a further one-off donation of £500.

The money will be split with 70 per cent going to the Bone Cancer Trust and 30 per cent to Matt's treatment.

Matt said: "It was a fantastic day and we managed to raise a lot of money through fees and the auction at the Barn Farm pub in Thorngumbald afterwards.

"It was brilliant and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves."

Matt, of Plumtree Road, Thorngumbald, has started chemotherapy and is likely to have his right leg amputated below the knee, as he has been told he will have better mobility with a prosthetic limb.

The majority of the fibula would have to be removed and surgeons would not be able to put in any artificial support, leaving him able to walk but not run.

Matt said: "I have had three lots of chemotherapy and the tumour has already shrank by 50 per cent.

"I am feeling positive and hopefully my treatment should be completed by March.

"It is likely I will go for amputation and I think I have talked my family round.

"They understand it is the best option and are behind it."

Despite his ongoing treatment, Matt is determined to raise awareness of the disease and funds for research into the illness.

He said: "We will be organising more fundraising events and we would like to make this tournament an annual occasion."

Matt plans to tackle the Beverley 10k run next year and the London Marathon in 2011. Anyone who would like to make a donation can call 07743 228512 or the Bone Cancer Research Trust on 0113 262 1852.

Links

Bone Cancer Research Trust

www.bonecancerresearch.org

Cancer information

www.cancerbackup.org.uk