The families of two late Sunderland residents have come together to organise a split fundraiser, after their loved ones died following devastating battles with cancer.
Amber Rose Cliff passed away aged just 25, following a four-year battle with cervical cancer - while Andrew Nicholas died from a terminal brain tumour in October 2021.
And although both were from completely different walks of life altogether, the families and friends of both Sunderland residents have came together to hold a football fundraiser tomorrow (25 June) in aid of charities across the North East.
Read more: Daughter's touching tribute to Sunderland dad after he loses short battle with brain tumour aged 53
Amber was diagnosed with cervical cancer aged just 21, with her family saying that she had been begging for smear tests for years prior, only to be denied because of her age. At the time, screenings were only usually offered to women over the age of 25 by the NHS - so she decided to go private.
Tragically, doctors discovered that a tumour had been growing in her cervix for a number of years, and Amber had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and operations in a bid to remove the cancer. But after bouts of recovery, the tumour spread to her lymph nodes, lungs and throat.
On January 8, 2017, she sadly lost her battle with cervical cancer.
In response to this tragic turn of events, her family decided to launch an online vision which received thousands of signatures. Her brother Josh and sister Cameron issued pledges for cervical cancer screenings to be made readily available for those under the age of 25 who exhibit issues.
Amber's family also launched the Amber's Law charity, in a bid to help youngsters gain better access to potentially life-saving smear tests without paying the price of going private for them. They also aim to educate younger generations on the importance of screenings.
Andrew's story is somewhat different to Amber's.
He was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in 2020, following a stroke and multiple seizures which forced him to be rushed into hospital in October 2022. After a few scans doctors identified an aggressive brain tumour. After a biopsy and routine tests the growth proved to be terminal.
At the time of diagnosis, he was given just two years to live due to both the severity of the tumour and that his condition was unfortunately un-curable. After around six months Andrew had further tests which showed the cancer was spreading at a fast-rate - and he had two operations in an attempt to prevent the tumour spreading further.
Both of which were successful at the time, but after testing just a week later from the second operation, the cancer had already re-grown to the same size it already was.
Andrew passed away just under a year later on the 29 October 2021 aged just 53.
As a result of Andrew's passing, his daughter Jessica came up with the idea of launching one final send off for her father, in the form of a community event combining all the things he loved most.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, she said: "In honour of his life and to keep his memory alive whilst raising awareness, my family and I would like to celebrate his life by organising a gathering. A friendly footy game to help raise money which will go towards his chosen charities.
These are Macmillan Cancer Support, patient care and transport charity Daft As A Brush and St Benedict’s Hospice, all of which gave Andrew "incredible" support and care, "and made a huge difference towards the end - for us all," she said.
With her partner Dan Smith being an ex-Sunderland AFC player himself, he got in touch with some of his contacts to attempt to get past and present players together for a football match, which locals can come to watch for entertainment on the day.
And now a number of former SAFC players are involved with the event which will take place at the Ford Hub in Sunderland from 10.30am tomorrow morning. Kevin Ball, Keith Graydon and Tommy Butler are all set to take to the pitch, as well as Dan and his brother Anth. They will play against an Amber's Law XI - a team consisting of local members of the community involved with the recently founded charity of the same name.
Entry to the event is completely free of charge for spectators, with collection buckets positioned across the venue for those who wish to donate.
As well as the main feature of a 90-minute football game, there will also be face painting, raffles and bonus balls, a live petting zoo and an inflatables area for youngsters. Food and drink will also be available on site for the family fun day in a send off to Andrew.
To find out more about the event, visit here.
To find out more about Amber's Law, check out their official website.
Will you be heading down to the football fundraiser?
Read next:
- Amber's Law: How Amber Rose Cliff's tragic death may already have saved lives
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Why we're backing Amber's Law - and how you can help make a difference
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'My shining star': Amber Rose Cliff's dad speaks for the first time on daughter's death
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The Magpie Group to host 'Geordie Night' fundraiser for Newcastle United Food Bank
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Dad and son who died from stroke and brain tumour honoured at emotional charity football match
