Ampthill asks rugby family to rally around Aaron
Aaron was diagnosed with glioblastoma at 18 years old.
When Ampthill Academy player Aaron Nahani was diagnosed with a high-grade glioblastoma in April this year, just after his 18th birthday, the club and his school, Samuel Whitbread Academy, determined to pay for medical treatment not available on the NHS or in the UK.
Aaron said: “Rugby is my passion, it’s my dream to become a professional rugby player. I played for Ampthill Rugby Club and had an opportunity to play internationally for Lithuania. Before my diagnosis I was on top of the world and had everything going for me, I was lucky enough to be offered a scholarship at Brunel University but sadly, had to place everything on hold.
“Before I was diagnosed with glioblastoma, I had no symptoms other than being tired which I put down to being busy studying, training, working, until one day I fell in the bathroom.
"I was then referred for an MRI followed by biopsy. Just after my 18th birthday, my diagnosis was confirmed as glioblastoma and I was told that I will never be able to play rugby again and will not regain full mobility, which I refuse to believe.”
While Aaron’s parents had already set up a fundraising page to fund his oncolytic viral therapy treatment in Germany, his team-mates from both Samuel Whitbread Academy and the Ampthill club organised a rugby match.
The game took place on Saturday 4 May, with Canterbury donating shirts for both teams with Aaron’s number 5 on the back and local businesses and the rugby community providing hundreds of prizes for a raffle and silent auction. It was a well-attended affair, with Aaron and his family and school friends among more than 1,000 people at the game.
Aaron’s brother scores to win
Many had never watched a rugby match before, and everyone enjoyed a contest played in good spirits to reflect the occasion. The winners were Samuel Whitbread Academy, with a last-minute try, scored and converted by Aaron’s younger brother, Adam.
Most importantly, over £21,000 was raised and Aaron has now received the initial treatment in Germany and is preparing for further treatment there. Recently fundraising had reached almost £60,000 as the drive to help Aaron continues.
Rugby family can help
Any donations would be very welcome and the link to donate can be found below.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/raising-money-for-aaron-to-receive-cancer-treatment-abroad
