Dying dad’s last football game a big ‘thank you’ toVelindre
A BRAVE father-of-two who may have just months to live is holding his last football match to raise funds for other people with cancer.
Mark Anthony Quinn, from Port Talbot, has organised two matches under the #1MOREMATCH event which will be held at the Welfare Ground in Blaengwynfi on April 30.
The 35-year-old ex-soldier, from Cwmavon, was first diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx, head and neck. He pulled through and got the all-clear in 2012.
Despite he and his wife of 11 years, Kelly, being told they would never be able to have any more children to accompany their daughter Ruby, they went on to have Osian, now two.
They also had another daughter, called Iona, who sadly passed away at birth in 2013.
But, one year after the birth of their son, Mark was told the devastating news that the cancer had returned. After another round of radiotherapy, which failed, he is now living out his final months.
The Liverpool fan is hoping to spend his remaining time raising funds for Velindre Cancer Centre, which he said gave him the gift of his son, as a thank you for all their help.
“All my life I’ve felt duty bound to help others mainly through running marathons, organising charity nights, especially for the homeless which I am really passionate about,” he said.
“Before I die, I want to do this one more thing called #1MOREMATCH.
“The match will be Liverpool FC Fans versus the rest of the world. It will be a local football match and a fun day for the whole family.”
Mark said they were hoping to raise £2,500.
To make a donation, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage. action?userUrl=markquinnpor ttalbot