Grant raises money for Boro coach's family cause
Sunderland’s Grant Leadbitter has raised over £2,500 for the wife of Middlesbrough’s Under-23s coach Graeme Lee.
Gemma Lee, 40, was diagnosed with brain cancer in November 2019 and was given just 12 months to live.
But thanks to a trial drug from Germany which costs £5,000-per-month, the inoperable tumour which was discovered on her brain is now described as 'stable'
Leadbitter, who returned to his boyhood club Sunderland in 2019, showed his support by raffling off the Boro shirt he wore in the 1-1 with Brighton – the match which sealed the Teessiders’ promotion back to the Premier League.
The midfielder advertised 100 bonus ball entries which were quickly snapped up over the weekend
Although the chance to win the shirt has passed, people can still donate to the worthy cause.
Leadbitter said: “We want to help Graeme and Gemma keep this in the spotlight while hopefully raising some money to help them too.
“It’s an awful story but one that hopefully can still have a happy ending. It’s fantastic that this trial drug has helped Gemma, Graeme and their lovely children, Grayson and Hadley.
“It has provided hope and hopefully the shirt I wore against Brighton that day can raise a lot of money to give the fight another boost.”
Graeme Lee said: “The love and support we have received from day one has been nothing but amazing.
"All you good people have given Gemma so much strength to take this fight on, as a family we are so grateful. Big thanks to Grant for his special prize.”