Tributes to ‘generous and kind’ rugby player
A MUCH-LOVED rugby player has been remembered as a kind, generous and brilliant gentleman following his death at the age of 34.
More than £16,000 has been raised in support of Calum Garwood who died last week.
The dad of three had been with wife Kirsty – who described her late husband as “the love of my life” – for more than nine years.
He was diagnosed with cancer after having part of his intestine removed as a result of suffering ulcerative colitis.
“He had chemo in February of this year, and got better, but in June he felt unwell again,” Kirsty said. “We found out it had spread and he just couldn’t get well again. It all happened really quickly.”
The couple had been friends since they were young. She added: “Calum was loving, funny, strong and a generous person. He loved his sport, both playing and watching. Calum was an amazing and fun daddy to Tristan, 13, Zachary, 7 and Ruby, 4.
“He loved going on holidays, and having family time. Calum and I have been friends since age 11. I’m so proud to tell people he’s my husband, but more importantly my best friend.
“He was so brave and strong with his fight against cancer. He is my daily inspiration. Calum was and always will be the love of my life.”
The family have been overwhelmed by the fantastic support they received from the club he played for, Llantwit Fardre RFC, with an astonishing £16,000 being raised online by last night to help support Calum’s widow and children.
Andrew Evans, club captain, said: “Calum was a great and gifted sportsman, but most of all a brilliant friend and somebody I treasured spending time with.
“We first met on the school bus to Bryn Celynnog 23 years ago and hit it off straight away, spending many evenings over each other’s houses and hours in Malcom’s (Calum’s Dad) car being driven between sports clubs.
“Calum has played for Llantwit Fardre since junior rugby, playing in a successful youth team that won a league and cup double and making his debut for the first team as an 18-yearold as well as representing Pontypridd Schools at under 15s level.
“Calum was what you’d call a modern day prop forward, skilful, fit and equally at home on the loose of tight head of the scrum and a gentleman with a great sense of humour off the field.”
Llantwit Fardre RFC also released a statement regarding the loss of Calum. It said: “Calum was a genuinely kind and generous character around our club and will be very sorely missed.
“He and his family were involved in many aspects of club life, Calum playing rugby for our senior team, Kirsty for our ladies ‘Pink Rhinos’ team, his son Zach in our mini and junior section, in addition to his brothers and nephews having played or still playing for our senior and youth teams. Not to mention his generous support and sponsorship of teams and fundraising efforts.
“As such, his loss has been felt right across our rugby family, as seen in the coming together of people from all sections of the club and community over the weekend in support of Calum and his family through the ‘brave the shave’ events.
“This has created an incredible outpouring of love and support that we hope in time will help Kirsty and the family in some small way with their tragic loss.”
Earlier this year, Calum rugby for Team Colostomy UK.
Giovanni Cinque, the fundraising and development manager for the charity, said: “We’re privileged that Calum was able to play one game for TeamColostomyUK and also hugely saddened that he won’t be able to join us again.”
■ To make a donation to Calum’s fundraiser, visit www.gofundme. com/f/2kpgbm-llantwit-brave-theshave played