A BRAVE Southside boy who is battling a life threatening disease got out of his hospital bed to attend a fundraising night being held in his honour last week.
TV3 presenter Martin King was just one of many who turned up to lend their support to James Gill, from Rathfarnham, during his benefit night at the Coach House in Ballinteer where a massive
?¬22,500 was raised for the James Gill Cancer Fund.
James, who is battling a rare form of liver cancer called fibromellor hapatocellular carcinoma, left his hospital bed in Tallaght Hospital to attend the event.
His parents, Declan and Geraldine, urgently need to raise a minimum of
?¬80,000 to send James to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York for a clinical drugs trial.
“James was very much overwhelmed by the great support shown by everyone and so were myself and Declan,
? Geraldine said.
“A huge thanks to Broadford Rovers and everyone involved in the club, Martin King for his support, the bands Kick Back Jack and Rogue and all the people from Ballinteer and the surrounding communities who have been so supportive.
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She added: “The money raised will go a long way to help James make the journey to New York for a last chance clinical drugs trial but the campaign is still ongoing. So we’ll keep going until we reach the minimum target of
?¬80,000 and beyond if we need to.
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Broadford Rovers FC organised the event for their former player. After the Southside club announced the overall figure raised Rovers chairman, Harry Worthington, said: “On behalf of the club we send our very best wishes to James for a speedy departure to the US to take up his new treatment in the Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York, and of course we wish him all the very best from everyone associated with Broadford Rovers.
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Mr Worthington thanked all the managers and coaches who helped to sell tickets and he paid tribute to the wider community in Broadford, Ballinteer, Churchtown, Whitechurch, Rathfarnham and Dundrum for supporting the fundraising in such big numbers.
Mr Worthington also acknowledged the support given by neighbouring clubs, the leagues (DDSL, SDFL and the LSL) and all of those who contributed spot prizes and items for the auction.
TV man King added: “I think Harry Worthington summed it up really well when he said tonight has reinforced his faith in human kind.
“This place is just full. I’m not a regular here but those who are regulars said this is a massive turnout.
“And whether they know James or not they’re here because they actually care for another human being. The target was to reach
?¬15,000 but hopefully they’ll reach beyond that because James is a lovely guy.
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Despite the overwhelming generosity of people who have wholeheartedly contributed to the James Gill Cancer Fund, the fundraising campaign continues.
To make a donation go to www.jamesgillfund.com