Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Frampton club in knockout Zak fundraiser
Fights pay £25k trip for US cancer trial
CARL Frampton’s old boxing club has helped send Zakky Brennan on his next US treatment trip.
Midland Boxing Club pledged to help the Dundonald boy who has won hearts across the country during his battle with a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
Last month the club presented Zakky’s parents Gareth and Leeanne with a cheque for £25,800 which will help cover the cost of a trip to America for a cutting-edge drugs trial.
Dad Gareth said his family were overwhelmed by the continued generosity of the community who have raised thousands for his son.
Gareth said: “We can not say thank you enough to everyone who has helped us. Without everyone we would not have got to this point and Zakky would not be here.”
North Belfast’s Midland Boxing Club, where Carl Frampton started out, organised a White Collar Boxing event in March and managed to raise £25,800.
A single trip to America to take part in this drugs trial costs approximately £25,000. Gareth added: “The club got in touch and asked if they could do something and we said sure.
“They said they hoped to raise a few thousand but this was unbelievable. They were lovely people and they have been so good with Zakky.
“The money will go to his fund now and that means so much to us.”
Zakky, now four, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer, days before his third birthday in September 2015. However, the youngster has fought back and is taking part in a cutting-edge drugs trial to stop a relapse.
The dad-of-two said the new treatment was going well.
Garth added: “He is doing really well, he has suffered some hair and hearing loss but in himself he is the best he has been, his energy is good. He is in good form.”