Star cricketer Con is battling brain tumour
Illness sparks major fundraising drive by wife Claire
The wife of popular Paisley cricketer Con De Lange says their lives were turned upside down when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour out of the blue.
The 37- year- old dad- of two, who has captained Scotland, has undergone an operation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a clinical trial as he battles the devastating illness.
His determined partner Claire has raised more than £8,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity and is planning a sponsored walk to collect even more money.
Former Ferguslie Cricket Club star Con, 37, is still battling the disease and wife Claire says he remains in good spirits.
She wrote: “Con and I are usually very private people, but sometimes you need to reach out to your friends.
“Ten months ago our lives were turned upside down when Scotland internationalist Con was diagnosed, completely out of the blue, with a brain tumour. This year has been tough, to say the least, with an operation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, a clinical trial, and a few hospital admissions along the way.
“As you can imagine, Con being the amazing, strong, kind, considerate, determined man he is, has remained positive and resilient throughout, not moaned once, and has only ever been concerned about me and the kids. And he’s fighting this all the way. “We will not back down.” Con was born in South Africa but qualified to play for Scotland after four years residence, first joined Ferguslie aged 23, where he quickly established himself as a fan favourite.
He also enjoyed a spell with Northampton County Cricket.
He left Miekleriggs to play for Northants, but still stays in Paisley with his family.
The fund raising efforts were sparked by the recent death of friend and already the money is rolling in to tackle the killer disease.
“With the recent loss of a good friend we had made along the way, we have been inspired to raise money for this charity that needs your help. Every year, 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour,” Claire said.
They are set to announce details of special fundraising walk later this year.
Claire, and children Rory and Daisy, thanked everyone for their support and says they are all remaining positive.
Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Cricket Malcolm Cannon said: “Cricket Scotland continues to support Con and his family and we have respected his wishes for confidentiality throughout this difficult period.
“Con has been a superb servant to the game of cricket in Scotland and is a very popular member of the squad.
“We are now delighted to help the cause by spreading the word throughout the broader cricketing family both at home and overseas and we know there will be an overwhelming level of support from this close-knit community.”
Sarah Lindsell, The Brain Tumour Cha r i t y ’ s chief executive, said: “Our warmest wishes and support are with Con De Lange after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. “We are so grateful that he and his wife Claire are fundraising for us to help us in our mission to defeat this brutal disease.
“Like Con, 31 people a day will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumour – that’s over 11,400 a year – and our five-year research strategy A Cure Can’t Wait aims to double survival within 10 years and halve the harm brain tumours have on quality of life.”
If you wish to donate, visit: www. justgiving. com/ fundraising/clairedelange
Ten months ago our lives were turned upside down Claire De Lange