Battler Mark’s got team support

Friends and family turned out for the football fundraiser in aid of Mark Lees

A FOOTBALL fundraiser in aid of an “inspirational” 23-year-old battling a brain tumour raised more than £4,000 to help him through treatment.

A group of friends organised the tournament in aid of Mark Lees, a former Crompton House and Hopwood Hall College student who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in early 2014.

The keen sportsman and rugby player, from Shaw, underwent operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and his condition began to improve, but scans earlier this year showed the tumour had returned.

Mark’s friends Connor Karran, Jason Hill, and Joel Pilkington rallied round and raised money to help during his treatment. They organised the tournament at Crompton House.

Almost 50 players turned up, including Mark’s friends, fellow team mates from Oldham St Anne’s Rugby, and current and former Crompton House teaching staff, with more than 300 spectators cheering on the teams.

Connor said: “It wasn’t until midway through our first game that we realised the amount of support for Mark. Mark was there too, to witness the love and support he has.”

The money will go towards supporting Mark through his treatment and enable him to take part in a variety of events and experiences to get him through tough times.

He will also make a donation to “Paul’s Fund” which enables young adults and their families who are facing a diagnosis of a terminal or life threatening illness to have a respite holiday break. A separate online fund also raised over £2,800 for Mark.