Marcus XV

Meet Marcus & His Family.

Marcus, 15, is a typical BOY.

Marcus is an avid Rugby player, playing for both his beloved Tor Rugby Club and as part of the Bath Rugby Developing Player Programme. During rugby season you will usually find him plastered in mud on a rugby pitch 3-4 times a week. During off season he often gives the adults of the club a run for their money during Touch rugby sessions and pre season training.

Like Rugby his other passion, also outdoors, is tractors. Often attending tractor runs, and agriculture shows. Marcus had been saving for numerous months to buy his own tractor, purchasing a 1982 INTERNATION 384 in January of this year.

A project tractor which he hopes to restore and get up and running. A passion which he funds through his job, Marcus does sticking up for local skittles teams, both in the winter league at The King William, in Glastonbury. And during the summer league at the Castlebrook Inn, in Compton Dundon. As much as this is a job, Marcus can also be spotted out having a jolly with the Skittles team from time time, something he really enjoys. They say "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life." whilst this might only be a part time job whilst at school, he really does enjoy it, and it funds his other passions, which he's worked incredibly hard to self fund.

Now to why we are here...

On 4th May Marcus woke up with an allergy flare up, to what was thought to be a reaction to a virus. Even after doctors advice and strong antihistamines, the symptoms continued for a few weeks and Marcus was just not himself. Following doctors advice on Tuesday 21st May Marcus had a Blood draw to see what was going on.

On Thursday 23rd May, Marcus and his Family's life was turned upside down. Following results from his blood test, which contained high blood markers, Marcus was admitted to Yeovil hospital immediately for further tests. The outcome was not good, and he was Blue Lighted by ambulance to Bristol Children's Hospital. It was then on Wednesday 29th May that, Marcus was officially Diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Our entire world was turned upside down, not only did that mean that Marcus would have to undergo extensive Chemotherapy but also that Toni, would be away from home and staying in Bristol Hospital with him. For her having to leave behind his siblings has been no easy feet. Thankfully we as a family are very close, even if we say we hate each other 99% of the time.

Since hearing this news and knowing that Marcus will be in hospital for at least the Next 2 months, we have been inundated with support from family and friends.

What do we do? What can we do? Do they need anything? How can we help?

As you can imagine the costs are racking up, with taking time off work, travel expenses, parking. Comfy clothing, and activities to keep him busy. Whilst supporting both Marcus in Bristol and his family at home. We would not only like to help ease the burden that this causes, but also help with Marcus' Quest to fund his tractor project and give him something to look forward to.

As Marcus' Auntie, I can only tell you how incredibly proud I am at his strength and resilience, even when struggling with this daunting diagnosis. I have set up this page to help support Marcus & The rest of the family in their time of need and any help is greatly appreciated.

Lets Get Marcus back on that Rugby Pitch and his hands covered in tractor engine oil!! xx