A lifelong servant of Ormskirk Rugby Club who's been battling a rare cancer was honoured by his team mates with a charity match on Saturday 26 July, raising £6000 for Anthony Nolan and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Financial advisor Russ Brennan, 51, from Ainsdale, is used to battling for the green and blue on the turf at Green Lane. But he is currently facing a fight of a different kind, receiving treatment at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Russ's journey
It is the second time Russ has fought the cancer. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form in 2000 and underwent gruelling chemotherapy treatment followed by a stem-cell transplant, which required weeks in isolation to avoid the risk of infection. Against the odds, he enjoyed 13 trouble free years following this treatment.
But just weeks after losing his mother to breast cancer last year, an MRI scan revealed a tumour was wrapped around his spinal cord - the lymphoma had returned.
Russ has since undergone more cycles of chemotherapy and another stem cell transplant, again in isolation.
The 'Clash of the Titans'
Keen to show support as well as appreciation for the work he has put in over the years, players past and present decided a ‘Clash of the Titans’ match could be used to raise funds for Anthony Nolan and the Royal Liverpool Hospital.
The idea took off quickly, with former players and others associated with the club he has called home since 1986 keen to be involved.
Up to 60 players made themselves available to play and local businesses came forward to donate food and drink for the event, as well as the match shirts which were sold to generate more funds.
In total the event raised £6000 between the chosen charities, money that will help us save more lives.
To find out more about raising money for Anthony Nolan, click here.